CLAY CANE // GET YOUR LIFE

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

The gay community is hard on Oprah when it comes to LGBT issues. Yes, it’s frustrating to hear her talk to a person who was closeted for decades and ask with a peculiar look on her face, “Well, why would you get married if you are gay?” Also, when she is chatting to someone of transgender experience, “Why not just be gay?” I think all of the gays and progressive straights take a sigh around the nation. Sometimes it’s as if Oprah is just asking these questions for sectors of her less enlightened audience—you would think at this point Oprah understands societal pressure, stigma and shame.

At the end of the billionaire day Oprah is a straight, rich, black woman who is fifty-years old. We must have leeway with our expectations of the talk show empress. Nonetheless, on Oprah’s Gays Around The World episode, which aired last week, it seemed she finally got it right. She featured an Indian prince, Manvendra Singh Gohil (did anyone catch that rock-sockin’ gilda?), former NBA player John Amaechi, but the highlight of the entire show was legendary New York City poet Staceyann Chin, who is originally from Jamaica.

Chin is quite possibly the best LGBT guest I have every seen on the Oprah show. She managed to still focus on her sexuality, but the true umbrella of her story was rejection and wanting to be home. Chin went into graphic, but necessary detail, on how she was raped by a group of men in Jamaica and the next day she moved to the United States. Oprah was riveted by her story, but when Chin explained her grandmother died and all she wanted was to be home: “Jamaica is home, it’s where I live, it’s where I was born, it’s where my friends are. My grandmother just died and I want to be home…I want to be home.” I think people who never had compassion for LGBT people were moved by Chin. Oprah looked as if she had an “ah-ha!” moment and said, “I understand that…I understand. That must be awful.”

I remember when I went to Jamaica a few years ago, I met a gay guy who was explained that he just could not be himself. I asked, “Why don’t you just move to the United States or Europe?” He looked at me like I was some lost, narcissistic American and said, “I shouldn’t have to leave my island, this is my home. I shouldn’t have to go somewhere else just to be gay.” Hell, I wouldn’t even leave New York City after a massive terrorist attack!

It is good to see Oprah trying to understand the lives of LGBT people, let's give her a break.

Labels: Oprah, Sexuality

Posted by Clay :: 10:44 AM :: 9 comments

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Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Homo Moments: Eddie Murphy

I know many people whine that the world is too politically correct. It's a bit of a bland argument that basically says, "Damn it, I want to be racist, sexist and homophobic with nobody questioning my ignorant ass!"

Nowadays there are just certain things you can't get away with like calling people faggots, hoes and nigger -- it's no longer a cackle for the uncreative comedian or the trite shock jock. This has nothing to do with the hypersensitivity of gays and people of color, but more to due with the hateful people who have spewed their toxic energy so intensely that now it has backfired.

Check out the clip below from Eddie Murphy's Delirious where rants on "faggots" in his tight, red leather outfit -- looking like an '80's queen that would get serviced at a Port Authority restroom. Funny thing is a few years later Eddie would be caught giving a tranny a "ride home", definitely a homo moment for the 2007 Oscar loser. Eddie is lucky there were no blogs back then...

Labels: Sexuality

Posted by Clay :: 11:25 AM :: 5 comments

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Monday, October 29, 2007

Racist Halloween!

Halloween is the time for goblins, witches and demons, but it is also the time for racism! When are people going to realize ethnicity or race is not a costume?

As I road the train this weekend in New York City I saw people dressed as Mexicans, Asians and sporting the ever popular Afro wig. Putting on an Afro wig or a sombrero is not a costume. Batman or Superman is a costume, being ethnic for a night isn’t—it’s offensive.

Check out the pic below, which is labeled on http://www.costumeshopper.com/ as "Funny Mexican Costume". Funny Mexican? Is there a "dippy white girl" costume? What's even worse is seeing white folks prance around in an Afro wig, patting their fro and talking “jive”.

The New York Times recently reported on this racism phenomenon during Halloween in their story “This Halloween, Man in Noose Wins a Reprieve”. A woman from Connecticut had a black man hanging from a tree and she thought it was a savvy Halloween prop.

Professor Richard Lachman at the State University of New York at Albany stated to the New York Times, “'Halloween has become less of a kids’ holiday and more of an adult holiday, and one of the reasons for that, I think, is that it offers an opportunity to do things behind a disguise…Expressions of racism are unacceptable at any time, but on Halloween some people might feel there is some room for giving vent.'” Professor Lachman put it perfectly. Doesn’t it seem like people let their racism fly freely during Halloween? It’s as if the racists come out at night!

On the subway I saw a diaphanous white woman in a Cleopatra outfit with dark make-up and bronze stockings. As if she knew Cleo was a darkie and she would only look “real” if she was in a bit of blackface. Also, men dressed as those crazy Arabs from the Middle East, hopping around in a strange accents that made them sound more like hillbilly extras from Deliverance.

What I also noticed is that I saw NO black people dressed in costumes. Do black folks just not do Halloween? Lawd knows I wasn't in a costume and almost didn't go to a Halloween party because at first they required a costume. As a matter a fact, most of the black folks seemed to be mortified at some of the costumes and even they were having racist moments. One black guy saw a Filipino man dressed as Batman and he shouted right on the subway, “Chinese Batman—wow!”

I did see a few Latinos in costumes, but most of them were vampires. Note: If you're brown skin and wear white face paint make-up, it does not look appropriate. Rather than looking like a vampire, you look like some reverse minstrelsy.

The complete low of the Halloween weekend was a drunken white woman on the train who was setting her friends up for a picture. She cried with a deep slur, “Okay, you guys like imagine you’re at a hospital, you’re nine months pregnant, you give birth and the baby’s NOT WHITE! AHHHHHHH!” Everyone laughed and beamed for the picture.

Let people know this year that this pagan’s holiday is not your day to act as if Jim Crow laws are back in effect. Rasta wigs, Afros, sombreros and any other ethnic props are not appropriate! Dress like a whore like everyone else!

Labels: Race

Posted by Clay :: 1:14 AM :: 9 comments

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Thursday, October 25, 2007

EXCLUSIVE: An Interview with Donnie McClurkin's Ex-Lover

Donnie McClurkin told the Associated Press just this past Monday, October 22nd: "I don't believe that it is the intention of God. Sexuality, everything is a matter of choice."

From Donnie McClurkin's 2001 book Eternal Victim, Eternal Victor, he writes: "The abnormal use of my sexuality continued until I came to realize that I was broken and that homosexuality was not God's intention... for my masculinity."

McClurkin wrote on a Christian Web site in 2002: "I've been through this and have experienced God's power to change my lifestyle. I am delivered and I know God can deliver others, too."

The New York Times in 2002: ''Love is pulling you one way and lust is pulling you another and your relationship with Jesus is tearing you, tearing you,'' said Mr. McClurkin, who now counsels adolescent boys that homosexuality is a choice they can overcome.

At the 2004 Republican National Convention: "There is a moral aspect that was overwhelmingly a part of Bush's appeal."

On the Christian Broadcasting Network (Pat Robertson's organization) in 2004: "I'm not in the mood to play with those who are trying to kill our children."

In May 2005 McClurkin told Religion & Ethics Newsweekly: "There was a big 20-year gap of sexual ambiguity where after the rape my desires were toward men, and I had to fight those things because I knew that it wasn't what we were taught in church was right. And the older I got, the more that became a problem, because those were the first two sexual relationships that I had. Eight years old and 13 years old. So that's what I was molded into. And I fought that. When I tell you from eight to 28, that was my fight -- in the church. And you were in an environment where there were hidden, you know, vultures I call them."

….

As the controversy brews around Grammy Award winning gospel singer and mega church Pastor Donnie McClurkin joining Barack Obama's gospel concert tour, many people are questioning how can a so-called ex-gay can be part of the “Obama For Change” camp. Obama said he strongly disagrees with McClurkin's beliefs. According to the Associated Press, Obama was not aware of the anti-gay minister’s views on homosexuality. As a balancing act, he added a gay minister to the gospel tour lineup, but Donnie McClurkin remains.

Donnie McClurkin claims he "became" gay after sexual abuse as a child, but with much struggle he managed to “pray the gay away”. Rhetoric that many people have found challenging to believe, considering the countless rumors erupting about his sexual escapades. Nonetheless, I am convinced one can be anti-gay, against gay marriage, against gay rights and still be gay. Meaning, you can fully hate yourself and that hate manifests in every part of your life. Senator Larry Craig, Ted Haggard and Mark Foley are not necessarily hypocrites; they are suffering from a toxic, and sometimes criminal, level of homophobia.

The story I heard in a face to face interview with someone who claims to be Donnie McClurkin’s ex-lover was one of sadness, sexual deviance and scandal. He detailed in an hour and twenty minutes his relationship with the millionaire pastor, which I have on audio. He demands to remain anonymous being that he is tied to the gospel music industry and explains, “I can be blackballed by him.” For his professional and personal protection he will only go by the name of “Rob”.

This story is not to point out hypocrisies, which is a weak argument. Internalized homophobia might be the appropriate label especially when the fuel is corporations who are making their “leader” a millionaire. This story is to tell “Rob’s” truth and you can chose to believe it or not, but as he said staring straight in my eyes, “I know there’s more.” Insinuating he is not the only one who has had a sexual relationship with the Reverend -- who bragged in 2002 that he now counsels young boys that homosexuality is a choice they can overcome.

As you read, this story is making the rounds in the media outlets, but I wonder—will the black church still expect him? Will they ignore his talent, accomplishments and inspiration he has given across the globe? Will the gospel community reject him because according to “Rob” he lied, or simply because he is gay? Will a stint in gay rehab, or a few public cries to Jesus redeem him? Can you still, after this interview, use an ex-gay status as a marketing ploy?

In this revealing interview "Rob" details his relationship, or as he described, "roller coaster ride", with the “We Fall Down” hit maker from 2001 to 2004, which is ironically during the height of McClurkin's anti-gay rants and calls for conversion. Also, how they met, his status in the gospel industry, their sex life, why he stayed and why they ended. Plus, their last encounter in March 2007.

The full interview can not be made public, some things I had to leave out such as other artists in gospel who are gay, but have not made anti-gay rants. A relationship with an R&B legend who, as “Rob” said, married a “bisexual”, famous pastor. I only wanted to focus on the relationship with McClurkin and no one else. I am presenting a story for people to make up their own minds.

Disclaimer: This is not my opinion but alleged facts brought to my attention. The facts alleged in this article are the sole expressions from the interviewee and his experiences with the subject. ClayCane.net does not have any independent corroboration of the alleged facts as stated in this article.

Tell me how you first met Donnie McClurkin.
I was at a gospel event backstage. We were introduced—I guess it was just you looked across the room, this person looked at you and you just knew there was something. This person had some type of interest because you walk in and they look at you. You look up throughout the evening and you keep seeing this person staring at you. Emails were exchanged and cell phones numbers were exchanged so that was the beginning. But, it was strictly just music, things in common that type of thing—but for some reason I felt there was an attraction. That was that.

What year was that?
Early 2001.

Did you instantly know that it was Donnie McClurkin?
I knew that because of his prior success with the song "Stand", Oprah Winfrey used to always talk about it. "Stand" came out late like '90's so he was already starting to rise although he had a major group back in the '80's, which Kelly Price was a part of, different people. But, "Stand" was the one that sort of said, okay, let's take notice. So, I already knew who he was.

This may sound like a dumb question but what made you know he wasn't straight. Was he around other gay people? Was it just blatantly obvious? What made you know that he wasn't heterosexual?
Well, in gospel music everyone knows who messes around and who is straight. I've always known it.

It wasn’t just you that knew -- people in that circle knew that Donnie McClurkin—
Oh yeah! A lot of people know, even some of the heavyweights. Now he's heavyweight, but some of the ones that are well known and highly regarded.

What were your first conversations like?
He'd explain how it is on the road, it's lonely. How sometimes he'd just get in his room and cry. He said, "And you're single?" It came out of nowhere, I said, "Yeah, I am." He said, "Wow, the person that would have you would be lucky." I said, "Well, I guess so, you know, I consider myself a good person." Blah, blah, blah...he said, "What do you think of me?" I said, "I think you're very talented. Handsome, you look good." He said, "You don't sound so sure." I said, "No, you do, you do."

This already doesn’t sound like the ex-gay, gay people are vultures—the Donnie McClurkin we see in the media. Were you aware that he was an "ex-gay" at this point?
I wasn't aware then. "We Fall Down" was really starting to catch everyone's ear. There was talk he was going to start a church out on Long Island.

Was there any talk in your conversations about being gay is wrong; this is an abomination or conversion?
Early on, no—he would relate it to being lonely. Not being able to be who you really want to be, who you are and that was a little later. I said, "What do you mean?" He said, "Well, I'm in gospel, I have fans, I'm about to start this church and the church has a lot of promise. It can be a big thing", which it ended up being. He said, "I have a position to uphold and I have an image, but the thing is I know who I am and I’m going to have to work on some things; I have some things to work on." I said, "Is it that simple? Can you just work on it like that? Cut on a switch."

When was the first time you were intimate?
Like I said we met winter, the first time was in May.

What was that like—the first time you guys were intimate?
It was uncomfortable because...it was uncomfortable because he gets into role playing, which is he's the bottom and he wants you to treat him rough. He wants to talk rough and that's not my demeanor, that's not in me. I can play a role and I did it, but I didn’t feel comfortable because it wasn’t me. I felt stupid actually. Like, what did I just do? It was just strange.

Did you have any foreplay?
It wasn’t that much, it was an embrace, a hug, a kiss and then just immediately something went in another direction. He was like a different person, the tone of his voice. He referred to his asshole as “pussy”. Stuff like that, "You want to fuck this pussy, don't you?" You know that type of thing.

Where did this happen?
This was at a hotel. That was the first experience, but each time I always had to play the role. You get tired of it. He'd often say, "I don't want the lovey dovey stuff." Those were exact words, "I don’t want the lovey dovey stuff, the hugging, the cuddling, I don’t want the lovey dovey stuff—I just want sex." That's how it was and so I sort of knew—this is not going to be anything. Not that I thought it would. I knew this was going to be an occasional thing when time permitted.

But it keeps going, right?
It did, it was off and on, but sometimes when he'd get in his stage of -- I guess when he'd go in “remission” -- when he didn't want to take the calls, or when he didn’t want to get together. I couldn’t deal with that—not that I felt any strong way toward him. I didn’t know what was going on, I just got on the ride and just decided I’d just ride this thing out and see what's going on and what's going to happen. But, the thing is when he'd go on his moments, on this is wrong, I can’t do this, blah, blah, blah. It was because "We Fall Down" was becoming so popular. The church had just started in the summer of 2001 and they were growing. They started with 350 [members] by the next month it was another 100 onto that. Then another 100 so it was growing.

Do you think if "We Fall Down" wasn't a success that your relationship might have been different?
It was the church and the celebrity. He was becoming a celebrity, he was everywhere, he was on TV and his song had crossed over into the mainstream. It would've been just like it was, just a quiet thing between two men that time would permit for the both of them.

There was no shame, anger, or rage after sex?
No, but there was a silence. Laughter like, "That was good!" Not really embarrassment, it was over, but it wasn’t any shame or anything. It’s not that he changed too much like he felt overly guilty or anything. It was done and sometimes in the night he'd say, “I got to get going”, or “don’t you have to work tomorrow?” I took that as a cue, time for me to go.

Did he ever tell you about his relationships with other men?
No, he just told me that he used to be, prior to "Stand", you know, he was active. I know even one time when we were walking somewhere—the Show Palace; he said, “That used to be my hang out.”

Show Palace?
Remember Show Palace on 42nd and 8th Avenue?

No.
It's a porn place. You know, booths, glory holes, whatever.

He was into glory holes?
No, he was into the Show Palace and all those things are in the Show Palace. I've actually never been in the Show Palace, but I asked him what was in there and he said, "Just everything you wanted to find. Glory holes, whatever." I asked, "Do you do glory holes?" He said, "No, I wouldn’t stick my six inch, small dick through a glory hole."

He said, "I wouldn’t stick my six inch small dick through a glory hole"? Wow. There's going to be the idea you could be lying. Is there anything specific you can tell me like a birthmark, or a description of a body part?
His penis is six inches and it's medium to small in thickness. No distinctive birth marks. High butt, not shapely, plain old body. Not a worked body—that is the most distinctive thing.

Only you would know?
I would know that it's six inches and small. Not because he told me but because I saw it.

Was he circumcised?
Yes.

Had you been to his house before?
His house was being designed for him, well, it was being remolded so all of his things had to be in meetings—hotels.

When you say “all of his things” you mean when you and him met up?
Yeah, he got an old house on Long Island so it was being fixed up. He decided to get an old house and get it made in to what he wanted it to be. He was living with a relative, I believe, at the time. There was nothing going to really happen out in Long Island.

So you never went to Long Island?
I did—was it Garden City? There was a hotel there in Garden City that I went to. I caught the Long Island Railroad and waited on the platform for awhile till he came, we went. He was very nervous because that was the first Long Island meeting. That's his home, his territory, black people all know him. Sometimes if he was singing in Atlanta, I'd be in Atlanta. If he was singing in Detroit, I would be there. I would go and he would help me get there.

He'd pay?
Yes, I wasn’t going to pay. [Laughs]

Did people in his circle know you were seeing each other?
No because I agreed to play by the rules.

What did he explain the rules to be?
Just discretion, just respect what I’m trying to do, the music, the church. The church was getting so huge that's when he started to change; I noticed a change in his personality. He would be short-tempered, would get smart with me—he was angry. Something was bothering him, very troubled and “Why is this happening to me?”

Why is this happening to me as far as what?
"I've always wanted to be a pastor, I’ve always wanted my music out there, but still I'm not happy. I want to have somebody to love, I want to be in love with somebody but I know what's in the inside of me."

How long were you guys being sexual?
Off and on for three years, 2001 to 2004.

During this time to 2001 to 2004 is really the height of his anti-gay rants. The book came out, he made comments, he told the New York Times in 2002 he’s counseling adolescent boys to convert them from homosexuality. Would you hear about these rants?
Every time I’d read an article in Ebony or Jet, or whatever, I’d just hear it—I’d get upset and we’d always have an argument about it. He said, “I told you.” I said,

“It’s crazy. What you’re doing is crazy. You’re writing this stuff, but yet you’re still doing it.” I said, “I have a problem with that. What’s wrong with you?” He said, “I have a problem.”

What do you think he meant by “I have a problem”?
It’s something he just can’t control. He feels that he has to say that to please people. He said, “I don’t want people to believe that I’m still doing it.”

Some of the stuff he said, “I’m not in the mood to play with those who are trying to kill our children.” This is what he said in 2002 on the Christian Broadcasting Network.
Some of the other gospel artists, I won’t name—

If they’re not homophobic I don’t want to know their name.
They’re not. They are gay, they would be pissed, livid—did you hear what “Crazy” said? It would be widespread, did you hear what he said, he’s mentally ill, I love him, he’s a talented man—that was the thing they’d always say. I love him, he’s a talented man, but he’s crazy and he’s confused.

Was he actively trying to stop having sex with men?
Yeah, I believe so because of the tears and hearing him cry. I believe he was really fighting something.

He claims the reason why he was gay is because he was sexually abused.
I know he says that but that doesn’t—he never talked about anything prior to the abuse but he did say…one time, I’m paraphrasing, like it’s something that can lie dormant, you don’t have to act upon it. Even though it’s in you, you don’t have to act upon it. He said, “I’m just hoping that God will just continue to keep me strong.”

You’ve kind of touched on this, but in my experiences people who are sexually repressed; when they are sexual they’re very over the top sexually, freaky almost. Would that be fair to say about him?
It was very involved, rough, sweaty and vocal. I couldn’t do it that’s just not in me.

What’s an example of how raw it would get?
I guess it’s just the talk, “Whose pussy is this? Tell me whose pussy—” and yelling it, you know, stuff like that. It was like…it’s almost like he was being raped.

Was he completely sober and clear-minded during sex?
Yes, but he was addicted to sex.

You felt like he had some sort of sex addiction?
Oh yeah! It was just so different, he became a different person.

How often would you guys have sex?
It wasn’t a lot, like twice a month.

What made the relationship stop?
It was the hot and cold. One day he’ll send you an email or a text message saying meet me here, or can I come there. Then you see this person at an event and they totally ignore, walk past you, be totally cold to you online, on the phone, or won’t take your messages. Not that I was some scorned person or anything, but it was just so extreme. It all related to wean himself off of men. The church had now gotten up to maybe a 1,000.

Do you think being violently homophobic was the key to his success? There are so many gay people in the gospel music industry. Why did he have to be so—
So like he was?

Yeah—so like he is! Even right now…
It seems like every time he was attacked in the media, or word was getting around, it just seemed like it made him even madder. He had attacked gays, the lifestyle, when something was written about him—one lady wrote an article, “The Sins of Donnie McClurkin”, I mean, it was scathing. It’s since gone now, I tried to find it today and Keith Boykin, he’s written some things. Every time somebody would do that he would counterattack. The articles, the hearsay would make him just go crazy and he was not fun to be around. One time we met and it was him sitting in a bed Indian style and me sitting in the hotel chair looking at TV. No sex, no nothing…

Three years is a good amount of time, why did you keep having the relationship?
I wouldn’t even call it a relationship, it was just we did what we did. It wasn’t a relationship, it was just sex and I think maybe I got caught up a little bit in who he was.

You did care about him to a certain extent?
Yeah and I know he cared about me. I get calls, you know, “I need someone to talk to. I'm lonely, I’m so lonely.” I felt sorry and it was sincere.

You don’t think he’s had sex with a man since you in 2004?
Oh, of course I do! But, can I prove that? No, but I’ve heard.

Tell me about the last time you saw him.
It was March 2007; I was at a restaurant in Manhattan. I was at a table with a good friend who started a production company. This very effeminate guy came in, cute—he was sitting there waiting for his guest. I’m talking to my friend and he says somebody is approaching you and they know you. Someone puts his arm around me and I stand up it’s him. We hugged and then he introduced me to the person.

This is the person who was very effeminate?
Very!

In your mind, obviously gay?
Yeah, obviously, to anyone! I nodded, I wasn’t fazed—this is 2007. We went back to eat, but he was uncomfortable. He moved all the way in the corner. The person I was with said, “You two were involved?” He didn’t know anything—not anything. He said, “The looks and the man had to move all the way over there.” I never confirmed it.

Did he tell you why he was there with the guy?
Later, we did talk and he said, “Okay that was someone I’m counseling.”

The effeminate guy he was there with was someone he was counseling?
Yeah, I said, “Oh, okay!” He said, “I don’t want people to think things.”

Did it seem like BS?
It seemed like a meeting spot, way in the city, it was reminiscent of some of the things we would do. You know, let’s meet there; let’s meet at the edge of the town.

Why did it finally stop?
We had planned a meeting and he said, “I’m going to stop putting you through this and I’m going to stop putting myself through this.”

This was in ’04 of ?
December 2004—he said, “I have to do the right thing, it’s becoming a problem; I have to be all I need to be to my church, my people. I have to be real to what I’m saying, to what you’re reading.” He said, “It’s like an ex-drug user you’re in recovery in a sense.” He always did look at it like he was in some type of recovery, “As long as I’m not acting upon it, I’m okay. Yes, deep down I probably am gay, but as long as I’m not acting on it.”

So in December of ’04 he told you I really have to stop doing this. Did you accept it—what was your reaction?
Yeah, we said our goodbyes in a sense. He said, “I hope you visit the church and stay in touch.” I said, “Well, I admire you and I hope you are going to do right. I don’t like these articles still and I don’t believe them because look what’s been happening for the last three years.”

Now, he’s obviously going to know this is you.
No.

You don’t think so?
You know the reason why I don’t think so is because I know there are others…I know there are others. I think he’s going to be confused. He’s going to say, either it was this one that one or that one. You know? There were others.

Did you ever meet his family?
Yeah.

Like who in his family?
All his sisters, his brother, his mother, his father.

Do you think they knew about his sexuality?
They knew their child and they know their brother, they know he was struggling, they did.

He wanted to make sure you deleted emails and messages?
He asked me did I save them. I said, you know what, I honestly don’t. I didn’t.

Have you ever heard about Donnie McClurkin having sexual rendezvous with boys under 18?
No, I have never heard that. Have people that I’ve know in gospel implied it? Yes. They’ve said it looks bad because they follow him around like little puppies, just following him around. But, it’s never been proven, no one’s ever said anything. I heard one time some young guy said he was talking real nasty to him in chat.

On an instant message conversation?
Yeah, but no one believed the guy. He told somebody and no one believed him.

Would you say that Donnie’s bisexual or gay?
I think he’s gay! He’s not bisexual. He’s had the little son, but that was just some young girl who was so taken with you, so infatuated with you. She set that up and he wasn’t sure he could get her pregnant because he said hadn’t got out in time. He initially would tell me, “I haven’t hated anyone till her. I hate her.”

His child’s mother?
Yeah because she was very evil and spirited because he was going to get all she could get. He wasn’t a big enough celebrity so it never made it anywhere.

Do you feel sorry for him?
I do, I feel sorry on those days when he’d cry. Saying he’s going through this, he’s going through that—he’s lonely, he’s horny. He won’t know this is me because he’s been down this road before with people, just hearsay. I’ve heard he’s had relationships with guys in Atlanta, guys in New York, guys in LA.

You are not heterosexual and you’re Christian. Do you think you’re going to go to hell for not being heterosexual?
No, I strongly believe that I am who I am. We’re saved by grace, God can save whoever he wants.

Do you think being gay is a sin?
No, I don’t because why are we here? Sin is sin, killing that’s a sin, stealing from somebody, but God saved the criminal—anyone can be saved.

Do you think homosexuality is something people need to be saved from?
No! Not at all and we’ve had debates about that and I said, “I think you’re born this way.” I would tell him that. “I think you had it in you before that rape.”

****

"Because I was raised in a Christian culture I never considered myself to be a totally free human being." -- James Baldwin

Labels: Gospel, Sexuality

Posted by Clay :: 1:30 PM :: 80 comments

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Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Angie Stone Interview in HX

Pick up the latest issue of HX for my interviews with Chaka Khan and a new interview with Angie Stone. Check out the Angie Stone interview below! Angie's album The Art of Love and War is in stores now.

Labels: FREELANCE

Posted by Clay :: 1:00 AM :: 2 comments

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Monday, October 22, 2007

The Bill Cosby Police

On Wednesday Oprah had Bill Cosby as a guest promoting his new book Come On People: On the Path from Victims to Victors , which is Cosby airing black folks' "dirty laundry" in an effort to save the African-American community. I adore Oprah and have immense respect for Bill Cosby, but it was a lil' odd to see two of the richest black people in the world chat about poor black folks.

Cosby was inspired to write the book after his controversial 2004 comments. Oprah ran a few clips, but she left out the most problematic statements from the wholesome, all-American Cosby. Here are two excerpts:

"With names like Shaniqua, Taliqua and Mohammed and all of that crap, and all of them are in jail.”

Or this classic:

"These are people going around stealing Coca Cola. People getting shot in the back of the head over a piece of pound cake! Then we all run out and are outraged: 'The cops shouldn’t have shot him.' What the hell was he doing with the pound cake in his hand?"

Which Bill is this—O'Reilly or Cosby?

Throughout the entire show racism, or most importantly, white supremacy, was not mentioned. The reason why so many black men are in jail or have a 50% drop out rate is not because they are savage poor people with no conscious, or weren’t named “non-threatening” names like Jane and John; it’s a residual of segregation and Jim Crow.

Jim Crow was a horrific time for African-Americans, worse than today, and most of the systems that were put in place then, which only "ended" in the '60's, still affect black people three or four generations later. Why isn't Cosby ranting on how after Brown vs. Board of Education the doors didn't suddenly swing open and racism was abolished from every public school in America? Look at Jena 6, the bizarre trend of nooses showing up across the country, or the recent violent beating of a black teen by cops in Florida. Is Cosby not aware of this?

One of the most problematic arguments that Cosby and even Oprah brought up was, "Lawd, the way it was back then! Black people fought for what they wanted! We were united!" In the discourse of the history of African-Americans there is nothing more disturbing than romanticizing segregation, Jim Crow, or "back then we were all united".

Segregation was a treacherous time for African-Americans; we were not all "united", singing hymns and battling against whitey. Most black children didn't have any access to education, stats went as high as three black men a day were being lynched in the South and contrary to popular belief—less than three percent of Black Americans were involved in the Civil Rights movement. I recently watched Roots: The Next Generations, which follows Alex Haley's family from after the Civil War to the '60's. There is no way in HELL that I think those times were better for Black Americans. Black men were being lynched in their World War I and World War II uniforms!

A white woman brought up the "N" word...come on people—the "N" word is the least of our worries! Deal with it, the "N" word is part of the black American lexicon. Richard Pryor popularized it and Kanye West will not stop using it. This “word” argument should be reserved till other travesties in our community are resolved like classism, homophobia, education, drug trafficking (how about the start of it!) and trying to convince rich black folks that racism still exists.

At one point, Bill Cosby ranted, "Believe you can make your place clean! Also believe that just because you don't own it that it doesn’t belong to you. If you live there, clean it up!" The predominately white audience clapped and cheered.

Now, dearest Bill...I grew up around whites till my early teens and those rich, privileged white folks were the dirtiest folks I have ever seen. It wasn't until I went to the trailer park that I saw crispy, clean white folks. Then, when I moved to Philadelphia is where I saw true cleanliness. Poor people know how to be spic and span, not all, but in my experience I have never seen so much Ajax and bleach then when I lived in poor neighborhoods.

I love Bill Cosby, he is from the Richard Allen projects of Philadelphia and I think his intentions are sincere. Nonetheless, he is too far removed from poverty to truly understand poor people. Especially when he refuses to discuss racism—hell, he had a show about a black family living in Brooklyn during the ‘80’s and no experience of racism for eight seasons!

It's fascinating that people like Oprah and Bill Cosby will demonize the poor for wanting the same decadence and excess they have. Oprah has bragged that she owns $900 towels so what exactly is wrong with a teenager in Harlem wanting an iPod? Cosby is calling for everyone to be crispy clean, have two parents, get a Master's degree, don't use the "N" word and eventually become rich like him. This is the world of capitalism and Oprah and Cosby have benefited. When the rich rant on the ills of society it is deeply troubling, especially when the underpinnings of environmental determinism isn't even acknowledged.

Bill Cosby has been policing black folks for years. Check out this legendary clip from Eddie Murphy's Raw.

Labels: Oprah, Race

Posted by Clay :: 12:00 AM :: 16 comments

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Friday, October 19, 2007

Bobby Blake Interview: "I don't believe in gay marriage."

Last night Bobby Blake was at the LGBT Center in Manhattan for a discussion on race and porn. I strolled through to do a short interview with the most famous black man in the gay porn industry, who is now retired.

In an interesting chat, Blake explains why he is not for gay marriage, how he is not gay, celebrities he sexed, being "strictly top", his upcoming book and much more. It truly was an interesting interview experience.

There is some explicit language -- yes, this interview is already different than my chats with Beyonce, Babyface and Hilary Swank!

To learn more out Bobby Blake and his book due out in May 2008 check out http://bobbyblake.net.

Labels: AUDIO, Interviews, Sexuality

Posted by Clay :: 1:45 AM :: 48 comments

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Thursday, October 18, 2007

Angie Stone Interview on VIBE.com

Angie Stone's new album The Art of Love & War is in stores now. Check out my one on one with Angie for Vibe.com. She opens up about her appearance on Celebrity Fit Club, D'Angelo and more.

My Album's Out: Angie Stone

Also, I have another interview coming out with Angie for gay press where she addresses those legendary rumors that she made a homophobic concert in Newark, NJ back in 2002. She goes into detail about homophobia in R&B and her loyalty to her gay fans.

Labels: Interviews

Posted by Clay :: 9:45 AM :: 2 comments

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Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Things We Lost in the Fire Review: Will You Support?

What an appropriate title—Lawd knows we almost lost Halle Berry in the box office flames of Catwoman, Gothika and Perfect Stranger! I had just about given up on Berry’s choices of movies, but she is finally back as if she knows this is her last chance to prove that her dramatic skills weren’t just a one-hit wonder in Monster’s Ball.

Halle Berry and Oscar winner Benicio Del Toro star in Things We Lost in the Fire, a story of two destroyed souls brought together by unlikely circumstances. Berry is Audrey Burke, a privileged, suburban mother of two whose husband is killed by a random act of violence. Del Toro is Jerry, a downtrodden drug addict who was childhood friends with Berry’s deceased husband.

The human spirit is stretched beyond the limit as Audrey and Jerry are brought together in an emotional tug of war. Things We Lost in the Fire is a complex story of extreme loss, emotional addiction and what we never can reclaim, but only remember, after the fire.

At first glance I thought, “Here we go, an overly emotional Halle Berry whining about someone dying again!” However, by the first millisecond of this film you notice Audrey Burk is a different character for Berry. Berry encompasses every molecule of Audrey with a controlled energy down to the blink of her eyes to the deadpan daze to even the tone in her voice while exploding at her children.

Berry sizzles with no remains of Monster’s Ball or Losing Isaiah. While this is undoubtedly her best performance, I doubt she will win another Oscar and I’m even unsure of a Golden Globe. Monster’s Ball was a particular time in Halle’s career, Denzel Washington was also nominated and Sidney Poitier was honored. It was Negro night at the Oscars!

Whatever the case, no one should ever utter the words that Halle Berry cannot act; she is one of the greatest actors of our time.

Benicio Del Toro is the true standout. Del Toro’s role as a relapsing drug addict was gut-wrenching and so believable that at times I felt like I was sitting in the room with him rather than in a theatre. Without a doubt Del Toro will receive an Oscar nomination and if he doesn’t it would just be a new low in the Academy Awards ignoring Latin actors. Someone of Latin descent has not won a best actor or best actress Oscar since the legendary Jose Ferrer in 1950.

Things We Lost in the Fire tells its story with amazing cinematic and directorial choices. There are a sequence of flashbacks, shots of a dilated eye, or quick cuts that punch right in the gutter of the characters’ emotions. Many films can easily get murky in this risky type of storytelling, but not once does the movie become lost in lofty artistic endeavors (Beloved). The movie takes its time to deliver—the woman next to me was gripping the armrests and her entire body was reverberating with racking sobs!

I'm sure there will be a few rants about race, but I think it's pointless. The movie was originally written for a white character, Berry begged for the role and luckily she got it. Actually, outside of her husband and her husband's family, the only other white people in the movie are drug addicts. I never once felt race needed to be addressed, it would've felt pushed, unrealistic and, most importantly, unnecessary. Any complaints that Halle plays too many roles with interracial couples doesn't know her career and is just reaching...there are more racial and stereotype issues with Tyler Perry's films than anything in Things We Lost in the Fire.

Many black folks yell to support black films and trekked out to see Tyler Perry last weekend—I truly hope they can do the same for Things We Lost in the Fire. It is rare to have a black woman and a Puerto Rican man star in the same film. Also, we have stunning performances from the youngest of the cast, Alexis Llewellyn and Micah Berry, who reminded me of the children from Eve’s Bayou. There are several other performances from unknowns like Paula Newsome and Omar Benson Miller, names we should all remember if we truly believe in “support”.

Why Did I Get Married? was an enjoyable film that supposedly represents “positive” black people. On the other hand, Things We Lost in the Fire is an exquisite piece of humanity that offers intelligent, well-done and thoughtful performances from people of color. Let’s hope those who holler “support” will support…remember, in 1997 Booty Call grossed over 20 million nationwide while Eve’s Bayou only brought in 14 million.

Normally, I do movie reviews on Friday, but I decided to do this one a few days early so you can buy your tickets in advance! Put your money, or your date’s money, where your mouth is!

Things We Lost in the Fire opens nationwide this Friday.

4.5/5 stars

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Labels: HALLE BERRY, MOVIE REVIEWS

Posted by Clay :: 12:00 AM :: 10 comments

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Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Chaka Khan LIVE

On Sunday I had the pleasure of attending a Chaka Khan concert and meeting the soul icon backstage, which was incredible considering I just interviewed her a few weeks ago.

Hearing Chaka live was amazing, her powerful voice soared throughout the entire theatre. It was refreshing to hear such a great voice considering so many artists of today can't sing live, just lip synch, wail wildly off key, or whisper in tune. Plus, Chaka has perfected that legendary high note she hits! Every time she went for it, I felt it right in my soul!

All of these artists of today like Alicia Keys (who I like), Beyonce, or Christina Aguelira who are considered "great vocalists" for this generation are nothing compared to Chaka who is in her fifties and has a better voice then all of them put together. The only that comes close is Fantasia. While there is room for everyone, I wish there was more of a balance in R&B.

Click on the link below to hear Chaka's classic "Through the Fire", which ends with a gospel breakdown (starting at 5:00). Also, "Angel" from her new album, Funk This, which is in stores now.

Be sure to check out the end where she throws a lil' shade at Rufus...

CLICK HERE to buy Chaka's new album Funk This

Labels: LEGENDS

Posted by Clay :: 12:00 PM :: 9 comments

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Monday, October 15, 2007

Submit your questions for Patti LaBelle!

I have an interview coming up with the legendary icon Patti LaBelle. I am extremely excited about this interview because I rarely get to chat with an artist who has work they I truly know and admire. So, let me know what questions you would like me to ask Patti!

You have till the end of this week to submit your questions. Be creative and fun!

Labels: LEGENDS, Patti LaBelle

Posted by Clay :: 1:28 AM :: 19 comments

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Friday, October 12, 2007

Why Did I Get Married? Movie Review

Tyler Perry is back—out of drag, but still poppin' in two shellacked coats of MAC Studio Fix NW45! His fourth feature film, Why Did I get Married? is the film adaptation of the popular stage play and 2005 DVD.

Four longtime couples having marital turmoil retreat to the bitter cold of Colorado (a ultra-white town that just happens to employ a strikingly gorgeous, black police officer) to battle their demons of secrecy, infidelity, soul food and Christ. The cornbread hits the fan when everyone's insecurities are exposed leaving the couples to question—why did I get married? Through love and of course Jesus, the characters find their perfect someone. Wow, I wish Carrie Bradshaw knew this tactic—she could've snatched Big by season three!

I like Tyler Perry as a personality and a celebrity. He has great energy in interviews and comes across as genuine. In theory, Perry's films are uplifting by presenting black people in a "positive" light with story lines about family and relationships. However, in practice Perry's work often times comes across banal, predictable and uninteresting. Perry’s films relies on cheap one-liners, neck rolling and praising Jesus with clichéd rhetoric in an effort to make the crowd holler, "I know that's right!"

Still, Perry’s sincere intent is to make positive films about black family life without violence, sex, or drugs. As Chris Rock once said, “Clean always makes more money. Will Smith will always sell more records than Dr. Dre!” Perry is the Will Smith of movies and doesn’t pander to critics. Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean just because Perry is a black man making money that every person should nod their head, smile and say all of his projects are stellar.

Perry has a near fool-proof formula; an incredibly low budget, which results in massive profit, even if the movie is a "bomb". For example, Daddy's Little Girls was supposedly a commercial failure, only grossing thirty million at the box office versus Diary of Mad Black Woman, which raked in sixty million. Before you say, "Thirty million isn't a bomb!" By today's standards it is—take Catwoman for example. One of the biggest cinematic catastrophes of the century, which Halle Berry admits to, grossed forty million dollars—ten million more than Daddy's Little Girls. The difference is Catwoman cost 100 million in production and

Daddy’s Little Girls cost six million. Get the formula?

Whatever the case, Why Did I Get Married? is Perry's best film and shows he is improving. There are about ten storylines in one: work, alcoholism, STDs, testosterone, obesity, Jesus, cheating, verbal abuse, lack of sex, death, etc. This could be a premise for a Telenovela on Telemundo!

Janet Jackson is the lead as a stuffy psychologist who writes about saving marriages even when her own is in jeopardy. In the beginning, the only thing that comes off as natural is Janet's extra-gelled hair. However, right when you are ready to give up on Jermaine's ole' lady, something happens—it's only about five minutes, but Janet explodes on the screen as an actress. She rips into a powerful monologue—screaming, in tears, face twisted, removing us from the Janet we know and love. For a moment I completely forgot Janet was on the screen and became emotionally invested in her character. She even topped her legendary Penny from Good Times line, "Momma don't burn me with that iron! Momma, NOOOOOOO!"

Like a Jackson family nose job it came to me—Janet is not a comedic actress. She needs to abandon comedy and do more dramatic roles. Those emotionally unstable Halle Berry-ish roles would fit her. Miss Jackson has been playing the wrong roles all these years.

Jill Scott is the overweight Christian who is emotionally abused by her husband. Jill is no great actress, but for the most part she was believable. Jill’s character is important—she is the main church woman, she spits Bible verses and proves you too can find a good man and even lose weight—all through Christ! If my Aunts saw this movie they probably would've thrown a shoe at the screen. The pomposity of religion in Perry’s films makes me think he has Jim Jones-ish Kool-aid for his “fans” to sip during the flick.

Through shaky dialogue and a problematic plotline, there is a savior and her name is Tasha Smith. Tasha Smith owns Why Did I Get Married? as the crowd favorite, Angela. She shines and helps Perry’s dialogue to glow. Whenever I saw her on the screen I shook my fists at an angry sky and cried, "Dere is 'ah Gawd!"

Smith is the obnoxious, side-splitting, alcoholic who says exactly what is her on mind. No matter how silly her lines were she made them work with drama, excess and reality. While I've seen Smith in

several films over the years you could tell she walked on that set like she was Effie White and roared, "You're gonna love me!" I believed every moment and would only watch the movie again for her performance.

Performances from Michael Jai White and Sharon Leal (Dreamgirl number four!) were also enjoyable, proving the underdogs stole the show.

Now, forgive me for over intellectualizing Why Did I Get Married?, but outside of the Christ sequences, I was most frustrated toward the end of the film where all of the women eventually apologized for being independent, not wanting kids and not being a "good wife". I cackled as the woman next to me huffed and puffed, twisting her hands in her chair. Honestly, Tyler traveling into the minds of women? It's like Elton John being a gynecologist!

Nonetheless, Why Did I Get Married? aka "Tasha Smith is the Baddest Chick" movie is a fun film. It's no Lee Daniels, Rodney Evans, or Gina Prince-Bythewood production, but if you are looking to laugh, not think too hard and be entertained this is the film for you.

Grade: B -

Why Did I Get Married? is in theatres today.

Click here for showtimes

Labels: JANET JACKSON, MOVIE REVIEWS

Posted by Clay :: 12:00 AM :: 20 comments

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Thursday, October 11, 2007

Tasha Smith Interview on Vibe.com

Tasha Smith snatches the cornbread in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?, which is in theatres tomorrow. Check out my one on one interview with Tasha for Vibe.com.

Here is an excerpt:

I don't know that I'd be butt naked in a movie because I speak to a lot of kids. I do a lot of youth-oriented events, motivational speaking and my teaching is a strong passion. I just don't know if I'm at an event with a bunch of young people that I want to know they have my titties on pause at home on the TIVO!

[Laughs] See, you know what -

I don't want them to be like, yeah, let me show you what the crack of her butt look like! You know? I mean, come on, because you know how the pause on the TIVO is!

Yes, I do know! [Laughs]

On some televisions they can blow up the screen, zoom in on the nipple - I don't want that! [Laughs]

Click here for full story

Come back tomorrow for a review of Why Did I Get Married?.

Labels: FREELANCE, Interviews

Posted by Clay :: 12:00 AM :: 4 comments

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Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Diva Kanye: People think I'm a raging queen!

Diva Kanye is feeling insecure again. The 2007 VMA loser told GQ Magazine,”I've always had an issue with masculinity. I'm like, 'I hope this person isn't looking at me like I'm a fag.'" He adds, “I do have feminine ways. Now, I'm 30, I've accepted that."

Kanye also opens up about a Senator Larry Craig moment he had in a public restroom:

"I was in a club taking a piss and this guy was making comments like, 'Mr East!' just drunk and acting stupid, and he slaps me on the back to get my attention. And I told him, 'Look, I don't feel comfortable holding my dick with another man's hand on me. Unless you want me to turn around in the middle of this." Damn, Diva Kanye...water sports?

Some jokes aside, I'm glad that Diva Kanye continues to talk about his issues with masculinity, which many people think are reserved for white men. Hyper-masculinity is an epidemic in the black community that affects gay and straight communities. It is honorable that Kanye is secure enough with himself about issues such as gender and sexuality in a sector of black culture such as hip-hop, where no one even attempts to discuss these topics.

I've said this before...I do not think Kanye West is a closeted gay man. If he was he would not be so open with his masculinity issues. If Kanye were gay he would keep these comments to himself, deal with everything internally and do his best to not draw attention to his sexuality. I commend Kanye West because I am sure there are countless young men who will read this interview and say, "Wow, I've had the same issues."

In a fairly ignorant moment, UK's Now Magazine posted an excerpt from the interview. At the end of the interview their writer Alison Adey stated, "Well, we think you're all man, Kanye." "All man" comments are exactly why so many black gay and straight men have these sexuality issues; as if, if you are gay you're not all man.

So let me correct Alison...Kanye is all man because he is successful, independent, speaks truth and reveals himself even when it is challenging. "All man" does not equate mannerisms or who you are having sex with.

I always thought the Brits were more progressive!

Labels: DIVA KANYE

Posted by Clay :: 12:00 AM :: 8 comments

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Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Girlfriends Caption Winner!

Thank you to everyone who emailed their submissions -- I definitely had so much cackcles! I wasn't the only person to pick a winner -- I just couldn't decide on my own.

So, congrats to Seahawk of Oakland, CA for winning the Girlfriends Season Two DVD giveaway. To get your copy pick-up the DVD, which is in stores today. Expect tons of special features and even a guest appearance by Donnie McClurkin....no, he's not playing on of the girlfriends! But, I'm sure he has his own group of "gurlz" he hangs with.

Check out four-girl ensemble below. I think this would be a hit series!

MARRIED WITH BEARDS

Starring: Angela Bassett, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Tisha Campbell and Tameka Foster.

Co-starring Oprah Winfrey as the boss, who lives with Gayle King, her "very best friend, that's all." And, Hill Harper as William, the hot single office mate who seems gay as hell, but for some reason we bend reality and mate him with females.

Each week they have a visit from a list of revolving sit-com coaches: Bea Arthur, Sarah Jessica Parker, Tracee Ellis Ross and Darryl Stephens.

Premiering Sunday at 9 on Showtime!

Labels: GIVEAWAY

Posted by Clay :: 12:09 AM :: 5 comments

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Monday, October 08, 2007

New MYA Interview on Men's Fitness

Check out my latest interview with Mya on Men's Fitness! Mya's new album is in stores October 23rd.

The Liberation of Mya

By the way - some people thought in my first interview with Mya that her singing a cappella was planned in advance. Mya's singing was completely on the spot -- I saved it for the very last question. Without hesitation she sang and got wows from me and and everyone else in the room. Let's give the girl some credit! Cuz Lawd knows I was expecting some Ciara-ish vocals.

Labels: Interviews, MYA

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