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SGL Contents
Editor’s Letter 4 Ask Nathan 5 What’s The T? The Entertainment Report 6 Exclusive: Dishin’ It With Dwight 9 Movies 15 Music 17
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Editor’s Letter
I’m a Man Recently I heard something that disturbed my spirit. Where a fellow event promoter was talking bad about one of my butterflies. This Event promoter invited The host of a show on the internet and his co-host to come and host an event said he would fly them out. Until he found out one of the co-host was fem, someone he thought was less of a man. Open letter to this promoter and any man who try’s to be hyper masculine. All of us males were born with a penis and that means whether you think so or not we are a man. It doesn’t matter if that man walks with a switch or not. Says girl or has a broken wrist. Sits on the dick or not. Stop with the oppression against one another we can’t get any where in this life if we don’t working together. And it may come down to that person saving your life. Would you want him to walk away and let you die or save you life. Treat people the way you want to be treated. In this issue we have our life coach Nathan 7 Scott back with lots of great advice and an Exclusive with Dwight Allen O’Neal talking about all of the drama that is surrounding him right now. Please send your email to us letting us know: How you like the issue or don’t like the issue? What we could do better? If you want to contribute? sglweeklymag@gmail.com In the Meantime Be Blessed until next week. Cordially, Cleavester Brooks http://twitter.com/cleavester
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Ask Nathan
Hey Nathan, I just found out that my partner is more than $30,000 in debt. Now I don't feel safe financially with him, and it's clear we don't have the same values about money. I don't trust him and I want to leave the relationship, but our adopted son would be heartbroken if I did. Sincerely, Help Dear Help I am not sure how long you and your partner have been together, but I do think that it would be wise for you to have an open and honest conversation with him or her about the financial situation. Sure, you may not have the same values about money, but that doesn't mean you should just leave. You have an adopted son who has brought you two together. If for nothing else, the growth and development of the son should be the glue that holds together your relationship. If you truly love your partner, you would help him or her develop a better relationship to money. We have to build each other up when we enter these relationships. You fell in love with this person for something. Now take on the responsibility of showing him or her a better way. Nathan Create a "Sevenly" Day! _____________________________________________ Nathan "Seven" Scott Professional & Personal Life Coach Committed to Entrepreneurs & Women's Empowerment 917-771-6611 Visit me online: www.nathansevenscott.com www.twitter.com/nathansevenscot
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What’s The T? The Entertainment Report More RuPaul is Coming
Logo announced yesterday that it greenlit a spin-off for the hugely popular RuPaul’s Drag Race. The new show, RuPaul’s Drag U, will be a show where everyday women compete in a series of challenges in hopes of unleashing their inner diva. The show will be hosted by the hilarious and helpful RuPaul and a team of trusty drag queen instructors. The show is produced by World of Wonder, the same folks behind RuPaul’s Drag Race, Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Home [editor: Tori and Dean's appearance on season 1 of Drag Race now makes more sense], Fantasia for Real (premiering on VH1 in January] and Million Dollar Listing. Are you Ready To Be Kept? Just call them The Real Queens of New York City…. LOGO announced that it has ordered eight 60 minute episodes of Kept, a new gay-interest docudrama inspired by Bravo’s smash Real Housewives series, the network revealed at the Television Critics Association Conference. The unscripted reality soap will center on a group of wealthy Manhattan toy boy lovers and the wealthy saps who finance them. Filming on the project began in November. “Logo‟s much-buzzed-about original docu-series delves into the privileged lives of New York City‟s real gay homemakers and socialites,” the network said in a release. “Follow the friendships, rivalries and aspirations of the Big Apple‟s elite „kept‟ men, and some who aspire to be kept, and discover the astonishing realities about all the things money can – and can‟t – buy.” Kept will premiere on LOGO in this October. Teddy Pendergrass: Soul singer dies in Philadelphia. On Wednesday, Teddy Pendergrass, considered by many as the ultimate male soul singer died in Philadelphia at the age of 59. The singer's son, Teddy Pendergrass II, said his father passed away at a hospital in suburban Philadelphia. The singer underwent colon cancer surgery eight months ago and had "a difficult recovery," his son said.
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"To all his fans who loved his music, thank In 1985 he released "Working It Back," you," his son said. "He will live on through his which was followed by "Joy" (1988), "Truly Blessed" (1990) "A Little More Magic" (1993) music." and "You and I" (1997). Pendergrass suffered a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed from the waist down in the 1982 Gamble and Huff, in a joint statement, said car accident. He spent six months in a hospital that Pendergrass was "one of the greatest artists but returned to recording the next year with the that the music industry has ever known, and album "Love Language." there hasn't been another one since. Although he is best known for his soulful "We've lost our voice and we've lost our best singing and passionate love ballads, Pendergrass friend, but we're thankful for what we had," the got his start as a drummer and in 1969 hooked statement read. "It was beautiful. He was one of up with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. the best." By 1971 he had become the face and voice of the group which had signed with legendary producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff at Philadelphia International Records.
Earlier, Huff reminisced during an interview aired on WDAS-FM about Pendergrass' first solo performance, which was at a club in California.
The Blue Notes scored smashes such as "The "That night I saw the coming of a superstar," Love I Lost," "Yesterday I Had the Blues" and Huff said. "When Teddy walked out on the stage, he didn't even open his mouth and the "Wake Up, Everybody." place went crazy with screaming females. He It was inevitable that Pendergrass would go was just so dynamic, and when he started singsolo and did in 1976. And according to his web- ing, he just blew them away." site (www.teddypendergrass.com) he became the first black male singer in history to record Gamble noted what it was about Pendergrass five consecutive multi-platinum albums. that drove all those ladies crazy. After playing to sold-out shows around the "He was tall dark and handsome," Gamble globe, tragedy struck in 1982 when he lost con- said. "He had magnetism about him. He was trol of his Rolls-Royce and crashed in Philadel- injured 28 years ago and hung in there a long phia, resulting in severe spinal chord damage time. He was strong as a bull." and paralyzing him from the waist down. Teddy Pendergrass is survived by his wife, "They don't fill you with hope after some- his mother, a son, two daughters and nine thing like this," Pendergrass told the Philadel- grandchildren. phia Daily News in 2007. 'Atlanta Housewives' "They tell you that your life is going to be Star Sheree to Make shorter, but they don't know by how much." Acting Debut The singer spent six months in a hospital after the accident but returned to recording the next year with the album "Love Language," Philly.com reported
Sheree Whitfield of Bravo's "Real Housewives of Atlanta" has taken her first acting job in a new stage production in Garland, Texas. 7
Miss "Who Gon' Check Me Boo" will star in Mary J. Blige to Headline and Rep Essence playwright Kendrick D. Young's play, "Heaven Music Fest I Need A Hug," which runs from January 19-24 Mary J. Blige has not at the Granville Arts Center (300 N. Fifth St.) only been confirmed to R&B star Dave Hollister, Tony Grant (Tyler perform at the annual EsPerry's The Marriage Counselor) and Judy Pesence Music Festival in tersen (Tyler Perry's Madea Goes To Jail) are July, but she has also also in "Heaven I Need A Hug," which tells the signed on as the event's story of a championship boxer whose tragic cirofficial spokesperson, cumstances are ready to explode as he begins reports Billboard. the fight of his life to save his marriage, family "We're thrilled to have Mary J. Blige on and future. board for this year's Essence Music Festival," Michelle Williams Fires Mathew Knowles Michelle Ebanks, president, Essence Communications Inc., said in a statement. "Her history As of today, the lone with the Essence brand, both with the festival remaining Destiny's Child and the magazine, makes her a great spokesperalum still under manageson for this year's festival and we're lookment with Mathew ing months." Knowles is his daughter, Beyonce. Blige, an eight-time performer at the Essence Music Festival, will headline a lineup that Michelle Williams has released a statement sev- includes other entertainers, artists, speakers, auering ties with her long- thors and community leaders to be announced in time manager, "after much prayer and consid- the coming weeks. eration." The festival will take place during the week"From my time in Destiny's Child to my solo end of July 2. Special weekend ticket packages career, I am grateful for everything Mathew and and other information about the event can be his team has done for me," Williams stated. found on essence.com. "We've shared great success together. However, as I move in a new direction in my career, I felt it was time. I wish Mathew Knowles and the Music World Entertainment family all the best." In January 2009, former DC member Kelly Rowland announced that she was leaving Knowles' management company Music World Entertainment. As previously reported, Williams returns to Broadway as Roxie Hart in the Tony Awardwinning hit musical Chicago for a seven-week limited engagement, Monday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, March 28 at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St.). 8
Dishin’ It With Dwight A Cleavester Brooks Interview
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Cleavester: Hello Dwight, How are you doing? Dwight O’Neal: I am great! I have claimed that 2010 is my year to do what God has set me out to do. I am striving to be a positive example for other your LGBT youth around the world.
Dwight O’Neal: It was deeper than that. I considered Nathan my mentor and I felt like if there was doubt in his mind that he could have talked to me about it. Once I spoke to him about it and he apologized I did feel much better about the situation and I honestly saw that he wasn't doing it out of spite. He Cleavester: Happy New Year! Tell us what have really felt like since I explained that it was not true you been going through these last couple of weeks? that it was no big deal to him and he didn't think I Dwight O’Neal: Umm DRAMA! It has not even would still be upset once the video was released. If been 30 days into the month and it has really had me anything the whole situation has taught me that test my patience. when you don't want something out there you must state that. Cleavester: On the Season Finale of Dating Dwight you spill the beans on all of your dates. Why did Cleavester: Why did he think you did drugs? ya'll decide to do that instead of having a bigger Ce- Dwight O’Neal: In the past I hosted a party in New lebrity cap it off? York and it was rumored that many of the promoters Dwight O’Neal: I really wanted to recap all the of the party had a habit. It was assumed by others guys and gal, because honestly my dates happened that I may participate as well; however I never have. so fast that I wanted to make sure each of them had I have witnessed how drugs can hurt you and the the opportunity to shine. I really enjoyed doing ones you love and that is not a route that I plan on "Dating Dwight" and I wanted to really be able to sit taking in my life. done and reminisce on the good times. Cleavester: Have you ever done any drugs in your Cleavester: Will there be another season of the life? show? Dwight O’Neal: I love to have a cocktail socially. I Dwight O’Neal: I hope that there is another season. even have two drinks named after me. The StargaBut honestly I am not 100% sure yet. I really want rita and the "Dating Dwight." to get the new viewers to see what is already completed. We are in talks about taking the episodes that Cleavester: Why have people been saying you did are completed down and re-releasing them to intro- coke? duce new people to the series. Dwight O’Neal: I really don't think people have been saying that. I think one person has put those Cleavester: On New Years Day the show "We Are rumors out and others have just listened. At the end The Media" released an episode featuring you and of the day you cannot change what anyone says or Nathan Seven Scott. Talking about the things that thinks. You can only be you and represent the best you have coming up in the New Year. At the end of you and that is what I try to do. part one the show took a turn for the worst. When Nathan revealed that he keeps a diary/journal of his Cleavester: When did the rumors start and how did life and he writes about different people. We discov- it affect you? ered that he had written about you and a little prob- Dwight O’Neal: I first heard of the coke rumors lem he thought you had with drugs. Is that true? when I was hosting Vantage Point. It started beDwight O’Neal: No it is not true. I have never used cause I have a nervous habit of rubbing my nose, cocaine and it hurt me when that rumor surfaced a because I have a mustache. When I first heard of it I few years back from another popular LGBT person- was hurt, because the person that started it was ality. someone I considered fairly close to me at the time, but I know that they were just doing what they had Cleavester: It seemed like someone that you call to do to keep their listeners locked in, which isn't and consider a friend didn't reveal his concerns with cool, but that is how "Gaywood" is. you personally in private. How did you feel about that? It seemed like you were really hurt. Were you? Cleavester: How do you plan to change people minds on that?
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Dwight O’Neal: I can only keep doing what I am doing. I am an activist for young gay youth and I attempt to keep positivity within our community. I am not going to sit here and say I am perfect; however I will say that I promote self-love and I don't think harming my body falls into the category of self-love.
Cleavester: Where did the idea come from to have a huge party? Dwight O’Neal: I decided to have a huge birthday celebration because I sat on my bed eating Chinese food for my 25th birthday, because I was mending a broken heart. I felt like in 2009 I had closed a lot of chapters in my life and I wanted to start 2010 very different. The idea Paparazzi came from the men of The FUTURE; however when we lost a member the team decided that they wanted to focus on other areas of our media and I took my party and decided to get my public relations company and management on board to execute the idea. Cleavester: Did you enjoy it? Dwight O’Neal: I had an amazing time. I felt like a king. I think that everyone needs to have a huge celebration in their life. In 2010 I had anticipated getting married and since I am not I decided to let my party be my wedding and that is what Paparazzi was, I guess you can say I married my career. Cleavester: You just celebrated your 26th birthday recently with a huge celebration weekend; and What was suppose to be a great weekend turned out to be completely drama. What happen from that weekend? Dwight O’Neal: Rumors started. People made claims that I charged an admission, which was an optional birthday donation and there were claims that I treated people poorly. What I find funny about most of the allegations is that it came from guests who were not even at my event. I can only speak on things that I enforced, the drama about the media lounge that was sponsored by The FUTURE can only be addressed by The FUTURE and on my birthday I was not representing The FUTURE, I was enjoying my 25thand 26thbirthday. I asked my doorman to collect a birthday gift that was optional; because when I go to birthday parties I think I should give a gift, but if the guests did not want to do that it was fine no big deal. But let's say I did require a donation, which I did not, by just saying my name at the 3 hottest parties in New York on January 9 (Paparazzi not counted as one) you got in two of them free and the third was half off, which was $5. That is beautiful in this expensive city. You can actually party for $15 and not to mention
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I had the club owner do drink specials for $5 all Cleavester: Some have also said "I don't like that night. I pulled a lot of strings to make sure that my faggot" and "she think she is all that". How do you guests had a great night and I threw in souvenirs and deal with the hate? cake. Dwight O’Neal: I don't deal with it. If I spent all day long trying to change the minds of people that Cleavester: Some have said you were smelling dislike me I would not get anything productive done yourself. Were you smelling yourself? in my day. I just feel that if we tear each other down Dwight O’Neal: No I was not and I am not smelling who is actually going to support us as a community. myself. I honestly was just trying to have a good I never go on record in terrorizing any of my brothtime and create an environment where the industry ers in this game, because I know it is hard enough on could come together and network. I wasn't even at us with what the homophobic people say about us. my event long enough to smell myself. I sent out My only wish for this year is that we love and supthank you cards and Christopher Street DVDs to port one another; however I wonder is that even poseveryone who assisted in making Paparazzi a reality. sible? My friends jumped on board and gave huge contributions to the process and I talked to all 150 guests Cleavester: Are people jealous of you? that came out to show love and support. I will say Dwight O’Neal: If they are jealous of me they that if I did treat anyone unfairly, please don't take it should not be. I put my pants on one leg at a time personal. I support everyone in our community and just like anyone else. If we analyze the things that I only want to see that we are all successful in our come from our mouths and we remember what we own creative ways. were taught growing up, it would appear that the actions are speaking jealousy. I honestly hope that Cleavester: Are you a diva? everything that has been occurring in my life within Dwight O’Neal: I am Dwight "Allen" O'Neal, this month is not jealousy, hate, or dislike I really which is who I am. I learned at an early age that hope that it is just a misunderstanding. people will call you so many names and we are different things to all people. I cannot control anyone else's opinion, I can only influence it and I hope I showcase myself in a positive light. Cleavester: A very well known personality in the SGL Community have said he tried to give you a hug and wish you Happy Birthday; and said you through him shade. Do you through shade to people? Dwight O’Neal: If you lie to me about something I might throw shade at you in a joking way. I know exactly who you are referring to and that individual told me that he was not going out on my birthday night and he could not come to the event, because of an early taping. The funny thing to it is when I ran into him at one of my secret after parties he looked shocked because he clearly lied to me and as a joke I threw him shade; however I am assuming that due to all the other chaos he took it in a different light. For the record I love that individual, I think he is very smart, sexy, intelligent, and handsome; I honestly have nothing but love for him. I honestly would love to have him on "Dating Dwight" so I can really get to know him (LOL).
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Cleavester: What can we expect from you this year? Dwight O’Neal: You have to stay tuned. I know that I am defiantly going to continue to support my community even the ones who have lashed out on me, because I do admire the good that they are doing. At the end of the day we all want to uplift our community and we can find the good in anyone. No villain is all bad. Cleavester: Is Dwight looking to fill the spot of Boyfriend this year? Dwight O’Neal: YES!!!! I am so ready to go home and tell my husband about the rough day that I had. If I had a boyfriend right now I would be telling him all about this Paparazzi and "We are the Media" drama and he would say baby it is all going to be ok. Cleavester: What kind of man can handle you? Dwight O’Neal: My horoscope says a Virgo or Taurus. But I am not sure, I guess time will tell. If any readers are interested or know anyone please send them my way (LOL). Cleavester: How can the people get in contact with you? Dwight O’Neal: Please go to www.christopherstreettv.comand fill out the inquiry box on our Contact Us page. Cleavester: If you could see one change happen in the GLBT Community in your lifetime, it would be and why? Dwight O’Neal: I really want to see that we become a strong family that assists one another in setting a positive role model for our younger LGBTQ. With chaos and drama taking place who do our younger people look up to? Honestly I am not that old myself and if I am doing something that my peers don't think is right let me know, don't just trash my name and terrorize me. We need someone as big as Beyonce' to represent us, however with all this drama that will never happen. Cleavester: Thank you Dwight A. O'Neal, Do you have any special message for our readers? Dwight O’Neal: Whatever you do in life is by choice and not by force, so make sure the choice is yours.
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Movies
Praxis
Praxis peels away the layers of narrative even as Brian (Tim Macy), the film's axis, struggles to create his true self. Brian, a writer on the verge of a breakdown, is aided by Joe (Andrew Roth) and an elusive woman (Regina Aquino) as he sifts through the fragments of his persona to discover his true core. Fighting against fear and the indifference of society, his quest reflects the classical myths of Proteus and the human search for meaning in the universe. Breaking away from the current trends of indie cinema – using snappy dialogue, ultra-violent action and a mumblecore style – Praxis relies on the visuals and cinematography for its spatial and thought provoking style of storytelling. Unspoken connections arise between the Proteus myths, current pharmacology and the possibility of life on other worlds. Pacheco draws on the influences of David Lynch, Stanley Kubrick, and Akira Kurosawa to express themes of spirituality, existentialism, and sexual identity.
Outrage
From Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker Kirby Dick (This Film Is Not Yet Rated) comes Outrage, a searing indictment of the hypocrisy of closeted politicians with appalling gay rights voting records who actively campaign against the LGBT community they covertly belong to. Boldly revealing the hidden lives of some of the United States' most powerful policymakers, Outrage takes a comprehensive look at the harm they've inflicted on millions of Americans, and examines the media's complicity in keeping their secrets.
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With analysis from prominent members of the gay community such as Congressman Barney Frank, former NJ Governor Jim McGreevy, activist Larry Kramer, radio personality Michelangelo Signorile, and openly gay congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (Representative, Wisconsin 2nd district), Outrage probes deeply into the psychology of this double lifestyle, the ethics of outing closeted politicians, the double standards that the media upholds in its coverage of the sex lives of gay public figures, and much more.
The Truth: A Stage Play about the Downlow Performed to standing-room only audiences, this film of a stage play tells the story, in words and music, of a young man on the down low, and its affect on his family.
Shirts & Skins: The Complete First Season Shirts & Skins follows the true-life story of the San Francisco Rockdogs, a young all-star basketball team who must reunite to uphold their city's three-generation legacy of International Gay Games gold medals and national tournament wins. After their last gold in 2006, the team fell apart, only to be rallied back together by their founders to defend their title at the upcoming National Gay Basketball Championship in Chicago. When the Rockdogs join together as family, they win. So will this new generation of talented players be able to put aside their interpersonal differences, love lives and late night rumbles in time to get their game on and bring home the championship?
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Music
Unbroken American Idols alum Katherine McPhee is back with her second album and this time she switches it up and goes country. After what the industry says was a disappointing first album she is trying to go after Carrie Underwood’s Country Audience. It is sad when a prize singer can’t find her true nitch
Ollusion Grammy® - nominated entertainer Omarion makes his long awaited return to the scene with his third studio album, Ollusion Throughout each record on the forthcoming release, Omarion showcases his growth as an artist and entertainer. Omarion is back with an updated sound and truly consistent album that proves he has grown up, as his fans have. The triple threat known for his vocal, dancing and acting abilities penned and co-produced all of the songs on Ollusion. Producers who collaborated on the album include Tank, King, Detail and 253, among others; along with guest appearances by Gucci Mane and Fabulous. The premiere single, "I Get It In," has Omarion reuniting with producer Tank (responsible for title track and first single "O" on the last album). The song is an up-tempo banger featuring Southern rapper Gucci Mane. "My style has evolved so much on this album - I was able to express truly who I am from a creative and artistic standpoint, which allowed me to share a personal side of myself with my fans through my music. This is my masterpiece and I can't wait for the world to hear my new album," Omarion said. "I am very excited about my new home at EMI and know that this is the perfect opportunity for me to return to the charts."
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