“Grown Folks’ Friendships” Guest Writer: LaToya Hankins Greeting and Salutations, Hot Tea and Ice Sippers! Sending wishes, and hope fall is doing right by you. For many of us, it is time to move away from shorts and open-toe shoes to sweaters and sturdy footwear. Nights are getting longer, temperatures are dropping and before you know it, store aisles will be [...]
“Time: That Most Precious Commodity” Guest Writer: Buster Sly This past year has been challenging on a very personal level. After spending so much time away in Europe last year, I returned to the States when I find out that my mother had just been diagnosed with third stage cancer. That came on the heels of the passing of my grandmother, [...]
What would you do after the man of your dreams battered you because he believed you'd been unfaithful? Could you forgive this man to whom you've given every piece of your heart? Desirable, wealthy gay African-American celebrity Wesley (Wes) Laurence Kelly yearns for a gratifying and enduring love. Unfortunately, it has slipped through his fingers. Repeatedly. Enter Antonio ('Tonio) [...]
“The Master Plan” Guest Writer: R. L. Norman I was standing on the side of the stage out of the line of sight from the audience. From my vantage point, I could only see a few people in the front rows. I had no idea how many people showed up for this event--my debut. You see, this was my very [...]
Outstanding news! Just recently, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) was awarded a contract from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to help advance the development of potential AIDS vaccines. IAVI is a global, non-profit, public-private partnership that works to accelerate the development of vaccines to prevent HIV and AIDS. The Initiative researches and develops vaccine candidates, conducts policy [...]
“What a man, what a man, what a man…What a mighty good man…” –Whatta Man,” by Salt-n-Pepa with En Vogue. When I was growing up—as my gay identity was forming and burning brightly within--that’s what I ascribed to African-American bodybuilder Chris Dickerson, an IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness) Mr. Olympia legend. On a number of levels, I was intrigued by and [...]
“Age Is Just a Number” Guest Writer: LaToya Hankins Greeting and Salutations, Hot Tea and Ice Sippers. I hope this month finds you all in good spirits--and staying cool. As for me, I’m coping with the heat by drinking plenty of cool beverages--some of them adult--and trying not to exert myself too much. I believe that a true lady shouldn't appear slick from sweat by simply walking [...]
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”—Milton Berle, iconic comedian/actor. This is the mantra that James Butler lives by. Mr. Butler is the founder of The Big Boy Project (BBP), a dynamic and cutting edge infotainment site that is specifically designed for larger men—and those who have an affinity for them. According to Butler, who is 28 years old and openly [...]
“I Will, I Won't, I Do” Guest Writer: R. L. Norman "I object!" the man shouted as he stood up in the back of the church.I can’t believe this is happening! How dare someone object to my marriage?I know that some people in my position would not get married; but I am doing what my heart feels.You see, I remember it like it was [...]
Cover photo by Don Gillard Towering over me and yelling at the top of his lungs, Antonio, my 6’4”, 280 pound muscled life partner, had me pinned against the wall--his huge, clammy left hand now grasping my neck! I couldn’t move. All the while, the following thoughts flashed in my head: “This can’t be happening! How can the man who’s repeatedly [...]
Last year, I wrote an article for Wyattevans.com entitled, “The Quiet Invader within Native Americans.” In it, I reported the unfortunate and harsh reality that HIV testing, treatment and care are not reaching Native Americans the same way as they are other U. S. citizens. Fortunately though, much-needed assistance is on the way. According to The Associated Press, The Indian Health [...]
Recently, I had the distinct pleasure to sit down with Mr. R. L. Norman, exclusively for the Huffington Post Queer Voices. Arguably, Mr. Norman is that quintessential Renaissance man: he’s an entrepreneur, videographer, performer, columnist, internet host, and author of the popular series of novels entitled, “Honey Let Me Tell You.” His fifth and brand new installment in the series is, “Honey [...]
