Showing posts with label Maurice Jamal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maurice Jamal. Show all posts
Monday, February 21, 2011
Happy President's Day 2011
GLO News: 2010 Black Members of Congress on LGBT Issues
(CBC 40th Legislative Session) in Washington, DC
Monday, January 17, 2011
Happy Martin Luther King Day!!! -- Dare to DREAM
By Maurice Jamal
Today is set aside as a holiday of remembrance for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and his tireless work for equality, civil rights and justice. As national and world events occur, one might take a moment and wonder about the current condition of peace, freedom and liberty.
Often when people speak of Dr. King, they discuss "the dream". Not only his landmark speech on civil rights, but the essence and content of his dream. I was reminded today that dreams are limitless. There are no boundaries, hurdles, fears or obstacles that can stand in our way. And dreams are not a child's folly. They are the power of the human spirit reminding us that we can rise above the obvious and move towards the great. Dreams make the impossible, possible.
The work each of us does everyday is part of this dream. It moves us towards a world where equality, acceptance, peace and justice are the norms and not the exceptions. Where regardless of background and sexual orientation, people are not only free to love, live and pursue their liberty, they are encouraged and supported to do so.
This year brought both highs and lows for our community; from the victory of DADT to youth suicides that shook us to our core. And each of you has made a fundamental difference for good in this march towards equity.
A dream is more than an idea, it is permission. It allows someone the ability to craft a world that has everything they could want and desire. It emboldens them to say not only "I can" but "I will" and most importantly "I am".
When we struggle, fight and are working to survive, remember that there are men, women and young people across this country who look at the work you do. They see YOU as evidence that their dream has merit. Your talent, work, dedication and perseverance make a difference. Everyday.
GLO TV may appear to be a digital television network. But it is so much more than that.
It is the dreams of people in small towns, church congregations, school campuses and homes across this nation, who often need a voice to speak for them, an ear to hear them, arms to embrace them, and a heart to welcome them.
It is the reality of what their world can be.
The road ahead is one that we will all walk down together. It is not always easy nor the path always cleared. But it is a road we walk down triumphantly, knowing that every step we take, gives our community permission for them to be bold enough, to dare to dream "I AM".
BE your dream!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Future Forward's Top 10 To Watch in 2011
Here is The Future Forward's Top 10 to Watch in 2011.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
GLO TV's Show The Gayest Sh*t EVER hit YouTube This Week
This week GLO TV Network premiered it's official YouTube Channel - www.youtube.com/glotvnetwork and the internet got it's first taste of the first season of the show, "THE GAYEST SH*T EVER!"
Outrageous! Outlandish! Overt and Over the top. It's funny, raw, in your face and uncensored comedy and commentary at it's best. No one is safe...from Beyonce to Oprah to dudes waring "skinny jeans"...it's all some of "The Gayest Sh*t" you've ever seen! (LOL) Check out the funniest comedians and celebs in this episode, then GO TO www.GLOTVNETWORK.com today to get the best in Urban LGBT Entertainment, News and Events!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "GLO TV spotlights Cornelius Jones Jr."
GLO TV is Here
and spotlights Cornelius Jones Jr.
and his new GLO TV Network Show
LIVING LIFE
The wait is over! THE FUTURE OF TELEVISION IS HERE! GLO TV Network, the world’s only television network catering to the Urban LGBT community and it's allies, premieres Friday September 3rd 2010. To kick-off the event, GLO TV will host several events during Black Gay Pride in Atlanta, Ga., culminating in a sneak preview of network’s biggest shows including: The Debut of Maurice Jamal’s“Friends & Lovers,” “Dating Dwight,” “Christopher Street,” “Gayest Sh-t Ever.” “Sex:2010,” "Living Life," and "Being Legendary" among more than 12 programs that will debut over Labor Day weekend.
NEWS IN NINE
part of the GLO TV Network Series
NINE QUESTIONS / NINE ANSWERS
GLO TV will be bringing you a host of new programs, and new stars. We sat down to chat with one of those up and coming stars, Cornelius Jones, Jr. Host and Co-Producer of "Living Life."
So tell about your new show?
"Living Life" is a new show, in which I Host, and is Co-Produced by myself and GLO TV's President Maurice Jamal. It will premiere during the networks launch. The program provides a rare, balanced look at the lives of people who are doing more than surviving with HIV...they are thriving! It's frank, insightful, touching, and yes, surprisingly funny!
"Living Life" is a new show, in which I Host, and is Co-Produced by myself and GLO TV's President Maurice Jamal. It will premiere during the networks launch. The program provides a rare, balanced look at the lives of people who are doing more than surviving with HIV...they are thriving! It's frank, insightful, touching, and yes, surprisingly funny!
What made you decide to get involved in the project?
Having a background in theater and tv/film and also being an HIV/AIDS advocate and activist I felt this project was meant for me. Like the individuals I interviewed, I too am living with HIV, and I'm living beyond my diagnosis. I am very passionate about self-care and raising awareness around issues that affect our physical, emotional, and spiritual being. I am also passionate about eradicating stigma, especially the stigma that is associated with HIV/AIDS. This project is the perfect platform to help potentially erase the stigmas and fear that many people of color, and people in general, carry when we think about the condition. Television is a powerful platform to bring light to many issues and topics.
How has being positive impacted your life, personally, professionally, etc...
Personally being positive has strengthened my sense of self-worth/value and care. Initially, when I found out, I was devastated and felt my time in this world was nearing its end. However, being the driven and determined person I am, and seeking support in my situation, I was able to finally channel that energy into something positive (no pun..well pun intended!). Being positive has taught me a lot about acceptance of self and others and love of self and others and it has affirmed me in my being. I went through a lot of mental/emotional pain which resulted into me being hospitalized but I am grateful for those moments because they helped me to begin to see what is really important. And all this translates to the professional. While my professional life was still thriving before coming out with my HIV status, I still felt that my silence and internalized phobias was killing me slowly. For me, being out, is my therapy that allows me to move even more freely in my professional life. I also realized that there were many more layers to my internalized pain than being HIV positive...there was also my struggles with me being Gay, a black man, from the south, self-esteem, body image, and the list goes on. (Silence does equal death and stigma equals death as well. Metaphorically the silence and stigma is slowly killing us all mentally and physically. Free our minds from our mental purgatory and free ourselves and the people and community we love and care for)
How do you feel our community is doing as far as outreach, and destroying stereotypes surrounding HIV and AIDS?
I feel our community is finally listening and awakening to the stereotypes surrounding HIV/AIDS but there is still more work to be done. We need to continue to come forward with our stories, we need to continue to accept that it's a part of us, not all of who we are, but a part of us, and we need to begin to have a sense of normalcy around our conversations. Not treat the topics surrounding HIV/AIDS as a minor thing but it needs to be something that we can discuss at the dinner table, or at the bars/clubs, at family cookouts, in the workplace, etc. On a community based level I feel organizations such as The Black AIDS Institute, FACES, Harlem United, GMHC, FUSION(Houston, TX), to name a few are doing a great job with raising awareness and research and testing, however as a global community we can push the button by speaking more openly and honestly with our family, friends, and loved ones.
What got you involved in acting, theater, etc...?
Oh man, I was always bouncing off the walls in my living room at home in Richmond, VA. I had so much energy as a kid. My love for theater came from watching Broadway musicals on PBS and movies such as "A Chorus Line" and "Fast Forward" and I would say my love to be on Television came from watching a lot of Bill Cosby and "The Cosby Show" and "A Different World." Bill Cosby and Tom Hanks are two men whose work I respect a whole lot. Not only are they excellent on camera but they also excel in their personal lives through education and community activism.
I heard you just received a masters degree. Tell us about that and why u decided to do this at this point in your career?
I just recently received my MA from New York University. My focus was Dramatic Writing, Educational Theater, and Performance. I've always wanted to go back to school, however, I didn't want to pursue strictly another degree in acting. I wanted to use to school to work on my passion for writing and social activism through the arts. While one may say, I was already doing that, I felt I needed more information and the support from a community of educators and researchers and artists, like the community I found at NYU, to help bring this to fruition. My goal was to research how one can successfully use theater and writing as an educational tool for social change, social change around the issues I'm passionate about, which are HIV/AIDS, the black community (black men), LGBT issues, and the intersections of spirituality and sexuality... Ultimately how to combine these topics into art that is entertaining and informative. I was yearning for more information and more direction in where my life was headed. When I begin to approach 30 I noticed that my life begin to go through a transition artistically and professionally, I wanted more than just performing 8 shows a week on Broadway. I also wanted to tell my specific story on the stage, which is the story of many LGBT people of color, and a story that our allies can relate to. I want to build and/or assist in a platform for bringing more of our stories to the mainstream. Going back to school is where the search and transition began.
What do you feel about GLO TV and its overall mission?
I GLO every time I think or hear GLO TV. I think its such a huge and ambitious platform that will succeed in bringing a diverse perspective of programming and information to the Urban LGBT communities and our friends and allies. GLO TV is also a great platform for exposing the numerous LGBT artists of color who work so tirelessly into getting exposure in the mainstream industry. The network really connects the arts & entertainment with the humanitarian needs of the urban LGBT community from politics to economics to pop-culture to health & wellness to spirituality & sexuality to pure artistic entertainment from music to film. I'm GLO-ing right now! Are you?
How do you feel about gays playing straight roles and vice versus?
This is a complicated question because I think sometimes it is just about money and taking care of your home, family, and kids. Gays have always played straight roles from as long as I have been alive and there have been numerous straights playing gay roles (the late Patrick Swayze did a superb job in "Too Wong Fu!" Actually they all did...John Leguizamo and Wesley Snipes included). There are numerous gay celebrities who are not "out" per se who make a good living off of playing straight roles. And there are a number of ambiguously identified celebrities who are speculated to be "gay" but are not "out" who make a good living off of playing gay characters or impersonating the opposite gender. I appreciate the bravery and courage when I see out gay actors, mostly from the white community, who can play gay roles and straight roles...I respect the fact that they have some level of acceptance in the world. Sometimes I'm a little envious, but my hope is that in the communities of color, more specifically the black community, we can be just as bold and courageous and welcomed by the larger communities.
On another hand, ( I said this was a complicated question) I think it is interesting sometimes how we can laugh or accept a gay playing straight or straight playing gay but when it comes to the roles we play in our normal lives we sort of freeze up, become homo-phobic and/or hetero-phobic, all in fear of being judged or shamed in some way. We are human at the end of the day. Just live!
One last question - Tyler Perry? Go -
Hmmm...are you referring to the recent "Boondocks" situation? Well...I guess I vaguely or ambiguously touched upon that above. All I have to say is, Tyler is a great businessman and I respect the work he does and his comedic timing is spot on. I don't know him on a personal level or professional level, I've only observed this man from the media. I would love to play a long lost sister of Madea in one of his movies and use one of my characters from FlagBoy or the numerous southern female characters I have created in my solo-work. And yes the world will know that I am gay, poz, and I'm LIVING LIFE!
I feel our community is finally listening and awakening to the stereotypes surrounding HIV/AIDS but there is still more work to be done. We need to continue to come forward with our stories, we need to continue to accept that it's a part of us, not all of who we are, but a part of us, and we need to begin to have a sense of normalcy around our conversations. Not treat the topics surrounding HIV/AIDS as a minor thing but it needs to be something that we can discuss at the dinner table, or at the bars/clubs, at family cookouts, in the workplace, etc. On a community based level I feel organizations such as The Black AIDS Institute, FACES, Harlem United, GMHC, FUSION(Houston, TX), to name a few are doing a great job with raising awareness and research and testing, however as a global community we can push the button by speaking more openly and honestly with our family, friends, and loved ones.
What got you involved in acting, theater, etc...?
Oh man, I was always bouncing off the walls in my living room at home in Richmond, VA. I had so much energy as a kid. My love for theater came from watching Broadway musicals on PBS and movies such as "A Chorus Line" and "Fast Forward" and I would say my love to be on Television came from watching a lot of Bill Cosby and "The Cosby Show" and "A Different World." Bill Cosby and Tom Hanks are two men whose work I respect a whole lot. Not only are they excellent on camera but they also excel in their personal lives through education and community activism.
I heard you just received a masters degree. Tell us about that and why u decided to do this at this point in your career?
I just recently received my MA from New York University. My focus was Dramatic Writing, Educational Theater, and Performance. I've always wanted to go back to school, however, I didn't want to pursue strictly another degree in acting. I wanted to use to school to work on my passion for writing and social activism through the arts. While one may say, I was already doing that, I felt I needed more information and the support from a community of educators and researchers and artists, like the community I found at NYU, to help bring this to fruition. My goal was to research how one can successfully use theater and writing as an educational tool for social change, social change around the issues I'm passionate about, which are HIV/AIDS, the black community (black men), LGBT issues, and the intersections of spirituality and sexuality... Ultimately how to combine these topics into art that is entertaining and informative. I was yearning for more information and more direction in where my life was headed. When I begin to approach 30 I noticed that my life begin to go through a transition artistically and professionally, I wanted more than just performing 8 shows a week on Broadway. I also wanted to tell my specific story on the stage, which is the story of many LGBT people of color, and a story that our allies can relate to. I want to build and/or assist in a platform for bringing more of our stories to the mainstream. Going back to school is where the search and transition began.
What do you feel about GLO TV and its overall mission?
I GLO every time I think or hear GLO TV. I think its such a huge and ambitious platform that will succeed in bringing a diverse perspective of programming and information to the Urban LGBT communities and our friends and allies. GLO TV is also a great platform for exposing the numerous LGBT artists of color who work so tirelessly into getting exposure in the mainstream industry. The network really connects the arts & entertainment with the humanitarian needs of the urban LGBT community from politics to economics to pop-culture to health & wellness to spirituality & sexuality to pure artistic entertainment from music to film. I'm GLO-ing right now! Are you?
How do you feel about gays playing straight roles and vice versus?
This is a complicated question because I think sometimes it is just about money and taking care of your home, family, and kids. Gays have always played straight roles from as long as I have been alive and there have been numerous straights playing gay roles (the late Patrick Swayze did a superb job in "Too Wong Fu!" Actually they all did...John Leguizamo and Wesley Snipes included). There are numerous gay celebrities who are not "out" per se who make a good living off of playing straight roles. And there are a number of ambiguously identified celebrities who are speculated to be "gay" but are not "out" who make a good living off of playing gay characters or impersonating the opposite gender. I appreciate the bravery and courage when I see out gay actors, mostly from the white community, who can play gay roles and straight roles...I respect the fact that they have some level of acceptance in the world. Sometimes I'm a little envious, but my hope is that in the communities of color, more specifically the black community, we can be just as bold and courageous and welcomed by the larger communities.
On another hand, ( I said this was a complicated question) I think it is interesting sometimes how we can laugh or accept a gay playing straight or straight playing gay but when it comes to the roles we play in our normal lives we sort of freeze up, become homo-phobic and/or hetero-phobic, all in fear of being judged or shamed in some way. We are human at the end of the day. Just live!
One last question - Tyler Perry? Go -
Hmmm...are you referring to the recent "Boondocks" situation? Well...I guess I vaguely or ambiguously touched upon that above. All I have to say is, Tyler is a great businessman and I respect the work he does and his comedic timing is spot on. I don't know him on a personal level or professional level, I've only observed this man from the media. I would love to play a long lost sister of Madea in one of his movies and use one of my characters from FlagBoy or the numerous southern female characters I have created in my solo-work. And yes the world will know that I am gay, poz, and I'm LIVING LIFE!
Check Cornelius at www.corneliusjonesjr.com.
We are so proud of Cornelius and all our other amazingly talented cast and crew at GLO. That is all we have for now. So set your timers get ready for the premiere you've been waiting for all your gay life.
We are so proud of Cornelius and all our other amazingly talented cast and crew at GLO. That is all we have for now. So set your timers get ready for the premiere you've been waiting for all your gay life.
And Subscribe now to: www.glotvnetwork.com
Monday, August 30, 2010
GLO TV plugs in on September 3rd
The wait is over! THE FUTURE OF TELEVISION IS HERE!
GLO TV Network, the world’s only television network catering to the Urban LGBT community and it's allies, premieres Friday September 3rd 2010. To kick-off the event, GLO TV will host several events during Black Gay Pride in Atlanta, GA, culminating in a sneak preview of network’s biggest shows including: The Debut of Maurice Jamal’s “Friends & Lovers”, “Dating Dwight”, “Christopher Street”, “Gayest Sh-t Ever”, “Sex:2010”, "Living Life" and "Being Legendary" among more than 12 programs that will debut over Labor Day weekend.
“It is a long time coming, and something that the Urban LBGT community has wanted and deserves” said GLO TV President and filmmaker Maurice Jamal. “The premiere of this network is a labor of love rooted in the notion of providing a wide array of programming that shows our us in all our vibrant colors.”
Founded in 2010, GLO TV Network was the vision of Jamal, then the award-winning director of “Ski Trip” and “Dirty Laundry” who partnered with several key people in the entertainment and business world to create a network with wide ranging impacts. “This really is the People's Network,” Jamal said. “All across the country, I would meet people who wanted to see their experiences reflected on TV. The community asked for a place where they could see their loves, lives, challenges and success stories, and we took up that challenge“.
The network will be available through the web, cable and on-demand. It will debut first in the online space, and is a perfect place for the network, Jamal adds. "GLO TV is for everyone, so it was vital that anyone can turn us on, anywhere, anytime. The web allows us to deliver the first true TV network, to the whole nation, which is affordable, accessible and relevant".
“GLO is more than amazing TV programming, we have articles, national correspondents, news, and anything our community would be interested in seeing or knowing about. We want to be the one stop shop for the Urban LGBT community.”
THIS WEEKEND IN ATLANTA
Check GLO TV out at:
For a press kit and additional information please email press@glotvnetwork.com
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
A Night at the Latex Ball
By Trevon James
Can I Get 1?…Can I Get 2?…How about 20? That’s the number of years GMHC and the House of Latex has been transcending house and category. Representing in the name of health, wellness and safer sex. For years they have been offering support, workshops, testings, mini-balls, and of course their historical annual Latex balls. On Saturday night the Roseland Ballroom was filled with legends, icons, and revolutionaries; all gathering for one cause, to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and how to prevent/fight it.
The event included a HIV testing area and free educational materials provided by GMHC and other community-based organizations. Fashion Revolution was this year’s theme.
The stage was dazzled with lights that streamed down the runway and back up to a glittered red and white judging table which read “LATEX BALL”. The sounds of “the beats” played by DJ Vjuan Allure resonated throughout the venue. You had no choice but to tap your big toe, swing your hair, move your body, and be a Latex even for just a moment. Supporting their community they held a pre-show to showcase upcoming artists making their mark in the Industry. Harmonica Sunbeam a drag performer hosted the segment coming out in a hot flamed body suit, with luxurious blond hair.
Performers included Baron, Nikki Exotika, Step Team For Social Justice and from Rupaul’s Drag Race Sahara Davenport (Season 2). Also making a special guest appearance was Bajan R&B/Pop singer-songwriter Shontelle; who hosted and judged a special vouging competition. 5 contestants battled it out to her remixed song “Licky” (Saul Ruiz Club Mix) for a chance to win prizes courtesy of Universal Motown. She tweeted ” 
So I rocked Hernan Lander shoes & jacket, Max Azria top, Rachel Roy shorts & Chrissy L jewelry. STILL can’t compete with the kids @ LatexBall!” Shontelle album entitled “No Gravity” will be in stores Sept. 21st.
“Ladies and Gentleman the show is about to begin.” An anxious crowd rushed to get to a seat as commenters Jack Mizrahi, Selvin Khan & Vouge Evolution’s Dashaun Evisu took the stage. Hyping the crowd with their fierce personalities and comedic comments they acknowledged some of the greats that were in the room. The crowd cheered and applauded as each Icon graced the stage almost seeming star struck. Right when you thought it couldn’t get any better recording artist Chrisette Michele came out and strutted her stuff in some red pumps.
Seeming shy at first she went for a 2nd go and ripped the runway. The event included categories for competition in exuberant expressions of dance, vogueing and modeling of fashion designs. Some of the categories were OTA (Open-To-All) Best Dressed, Female Figure Runway, and Grand Prize Designer’s Delight: The Fashion Show. One of my favorite moments though was when Diva Davanna took the stage. She is the youngest model to had ever hit the Latex stage with her signature fierce walk, back in 2007 when she was 7.
The night was getting late and I was ready to go, but right before I did they announced a surprise guest performance from Rupaul’s Drag Race winner BeBe Zahara Benet (Season 1). She came out in her signature afro curled hair and a leopard skin outfit. With 2 male dancers and energetic choreography she performed her new single “Cameroon”. The ball was no where near finished (at 2am) and I had to leave. Overall it was an entertaining and informative night. It was amazing to see the love and pride everyone shared in the room even though it was a competition. Contestants still hugged after each round, judges still applauded, and everyone supported the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness.
Friday, August 20, 2010
A Future Gay Soap Opera?
This is something that has been in my head for a very long time.
Two days ago, I watched a full one hour episode of The Young and the Restless. I wanted to watch this phenomenon that most women, lesbians, and gay men are into. In the beginning, I really wasn't a fan of soap operas. I began asking people "How can you keep up with over a thousand episodes?"
Soap operas are daily shows. It's not like waiting next week to watch the new episode of Law and Order. If you want to watch a new episode, wake up the next day and it's on. I remember running into a woman who is a fan of this show. This woman knew what happened in episode seven thousand to the present episode. I'm sure it will reach episode ten thousand before the next decade.
After watching this show, I immediately became addicted to it. I just became part of that group of gay men who love soap operas. This show will give me an excuse to wake up every day at 9:00 AM. It's suspenseful, romantic, comedic, the perfect ingredients for a good show. I might add another soap opera to my list, but I just want to get used to this show first.
While watching this show, I began to think about our community back on television. Right now, the only couple I see on a soap opera is Luke and Noah from As The World Turns.
Their stories are amazing, but it's time to branch out. It's been more than a year now with these two, and As The World Turns is about to be canceled in just a few months. After watching these soap operas along with characters like them, it got me thinking. There should be a future soap opera just surrounding gay characters.
Out of all the shows people are dieing to watch, the gay community contains a large percentage of it. Whenever I walk past a group of people who just watched an old episode of Noah's Arc, Queer As Folk, and The L Word, they continue to talk about it, and even express their own ideas for new episodes. It's like a clock froze in their head and they can never forget. That's how much of a fan they are.
Which is why I suggest they should create a gay soap opera on television or online. We'll need to call Dwight Allen O' Neal (Christopher's Street), Maurice Jamal (The Ski Trip), Patrick Ian Polk (Noah's Arc), Ron Cowen (Queer As Folk), Ilene Chaiken (The L Word), or some newcomer and make this happen. We have to show a body of work that Showtime, Logo, SoapNet, NBC, and many more to make this happen.
All these ideas just gets me thinking.
Should there be a gay soap opera?
Out of all the shows people are dieing to watch, the gay community contains a large percentage of it. Whenever I walk past a group of people who just watched an old episode of Noah's Arc, Queer As Folk, and The L Word, they continue to talk about it, and even express their own ideas for new episodes. It's like a clock froze in their head and they can never forget. That's how much of a fan they are.
Which is why I suggest they should create a gay soap opera on television or online. We'll need to call Dwight Allen O' Neal (Christopher's Street), Maurice Jamal (The Ski Trip), Patrick Ian Polk (Noah's Arc), Ron Cowen (Queer As Folk), Ilene Chaiken (The L Word), or some newcomer and make this happen. We have to show a body of work that Showtime, Logo, SoapNet, NBC, and many more to make this happen.
All these ideas just gets me thinking.
Should there be a gay soap opera?
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