From Conference Attendee to Member: What Attending the NYPS South Region Conference Did For Me

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Submitted by Mickyel Bradford of Georgia

Submitted by Mickyel Bradford of Georgia

The Southern NYPS (National Youth Pride Services) Conference was my first experience with NYPS. Miko Evans, CEO of a successful Atlanta-based LGBT talent and events production company, Meak Productions, happened to post a link to the NYPS website on the Facebook for my university’s LGBTQ student organization. The website featured a post titled “2013 NYPS South Region Conference April 26-28, 2013: I Am Black Excellence”. I was intrigued by the title, and also by the picture next to it featuring Maurice Jamal. I had had the pleasure of meeting Maurice before but didn’t recognize him as the one who recited the most beautiful poems in Marlon Riggs’ cult famous black gay film “Tongues Untied”, a film that taught me how to love myself and gave me hope for loving another Black queer activist.  So, when I saw that he was scheduled to appear at the conference I HAD to go! That was what fueled my personal motivation.

Now, I also came because of the organizations Im accountable for: BlackOUT, a student organization of black LGBTQIQ people at Georgia State University, and QueerUP! Atlanta, a group I founded with my best friends to do more progressive, radical activism that wouldn’t be tied to public university funding. Speaking of funding, my second motivation was the possibility of securing seed grant money for projects BlackOUT and QueerUp! Atlanta needed to do. Projects I needed to do for my communities.

I arrived at the location, The Evolution Center, late. For those who don’t know, Evolution Center is an Atlanta-only black gay/bi men’s drop-in center and community outreach center for sexual health. I walked in late to Miko Evans talking about the history of the Black LGBTQ movement in Atlanta. In my four years living here, I had no idea how much solidarity there had been between Black gays and lesbians, how bad the racism was, and how things have changed overtly but also remained covertly the same.

After he set the stage, we had a roundtable discussion hearing from everyone present how they experienced their lives as Black and Gay in their respective states. This was “The State of Black Gay Youth”. Everyone’s stories were interesting to hear and some reflected my own experiences. Recurring themes were: religion, parents’ reactions to coming out, how geography affected us, issues with femme men, and a lack of resources to turn to as Black LGB people. One particular person spoke on the intricacies of navigating life as Black, gay, and deaf/hard-of-hearing.  Although, I had to train my ears to hear him clearly, he spoke with passion about organizing efforts between the three communities. He went above and beyond simply working with one community at a time. That amount of open discussion on ableism really made me think about intersectional issues and how I could take his example back to BlackOUT and reach out to our non-able-bodied queer and trans* friends. Particularly, we have the issue of needing more gender-neutral bathrooms at Georgia State University. If we can connect the need for gender-neutral bathrooms by our transgender student body, with the need for non-able bodied access for students with disabilities, we may have an unstoppable bathroom renovation force!

As this discussion wrapped up, in walked Maurice Jamal with an unexpected guest, Lonnell Williams of 3LWTV! Maurice and Lonnell were amazing speakers. They spoke about their own experiences coming into their talents and gifts and accepting that they were meant to do great work, despite doubts and realistic limitations. You could tell they were really great friends the way they took turns and supported each other.

It Started With A Talent

Maurice’s story resonated with me strongest. He told us of his trials as a young screenwriter/director trying to get Loretta Divine to

Maurice Jamal

Maurice Jamal

play the lead in his film “Dirty Laundry”. He had no money, no legendary name, and when he finally met her, he didn’t even have the script on hand. But he was determined to have her play the lead. And she caught of glimpse of that. As soon as he could, he mailed her the script. She read it and fell in love! They met up to discuss details and Maurice noticed that she had highlighted her lines, which, in the drama world, means an actor is committed to their character wholly. Remember, she’s only read the script. So when the time came to discuss money and backing, Maurice told her the truth. Now, because he had given her something, a story that she felt connected to and accountable for performing, she told him to tell everyone he knew that she had signed on to the project (without her agent’s consent). She told him to use her name as the honey to catch funding and more actors. Dirty Laundry was a huge success and today Maurice Jamal is doing more and more work. Im still disappointed I missed the first Mixxfest, the first large film festival featuring actors, directors, and films from LGBTQ people of color communities. It started with a talent.

It Started With A Small Dream

Next, we heard from Lonnell Williams. His story was the most inexplicable. He started out with a simple, small dream. He just wanted a tweet from Oprah. That’s it. He kept tweeting and tweeting and tweeting. He had a video camera and some free time and made videos of himself discussing popular topics. And one day, Oprah replied to his tweet! Of course he was ecstatic! And from then on, he was motivated to get another tweet from her. And he did. So then he wanted another tweet. Pretty soon, he started gaining a following because people noticed that Oprah was paying attention to him and they had no idea who he was. He started building a regular Twitter rapport with Oprah and one day received a direct, private message offering him tickets to come meet her at the studio! Afterwards, the rest is history, as they say. He maintained a steady, friendly relationship with one of the most powerful Black women in history by accomplishing small, simple dreams. Today, he and his company 3LWTV can count on support from the biggest name in the business. It started with a small dream…and then became bigger.

So, afterwards we had some shared discussion around our own goals and dreams. Other members shared dreams of publishing novels, fame, and giving back to the community. I don’t remember what I said, or if I said anything at all. I didn’t really know what to say after hearing everything I had heard that day, not just from the special guests but from the members of NYPS. I do remember walking home after the conference feeling like I had finally begun to address a hole in myself. I needed to ask what it was I wanted out of my life and then start GIVING it to myself, unashamed, and without hesitation. And now I am. As Lonnell Williams put it, “Our gifts will make room for us”. Not long after the conference, I joined the Young Leaders Society of NYPS and Im working on giving myself my dream of becoming a scholar/activist whose work leaves multiple communities empowered (and maybe a scholarship founded in his name…you never know). –Mickyel Bradford

Editors Note: NYPS is now currently supporting the financial goals of both organizations Mickyel introduced at the conference.

Member Profile: Mickyel Bradford, Atlanta, GA

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603339_4580921799035_1999048712_nBlack Gay Youth today are entirely disconnected from our full, accurate history. The history lesson doesn’t stop at Bayard Rustin, James Baldwin, and Audrey Lorde. It extends further back than NIANKHKHNUM and KHNUMHOTEP of Ancient Egypt, into the very heart of Africa. And today, our history continues into the future with Essex Hemphil all the way to black queer rappers like Mykki Blanco, Cakes Da Killa, and Azelia Banks. Its one thing to keep up with current events, its one thing to know our history, but it’s a continual process to integrate the past with the present and plan for the future of our movement. Furthermore, the current generation of black gay youth are so far removed from activism and outreach. I don’t think activism has to be lobbying for rights, or holding protests, either. It can be performance art, a party that donates to a cause, spoken word, anything really! We just need more youth to feel accountable for their community and the rest is just putting the right talents to the right tasks. Lastly, I think we have yet to address the heteronormativity in our community. As Black gay folks, we have a lot more to deal with then white folks and straight black folks, but I think we still need to address the hypermasculinity of our Black men. When Black gay men (tops, bottoms, verse, fems, and masculine men) don’t want to date or be sexual with feminine Black gay men, we have a problem with effemephobia and sexism. This is unacceptable even years after sexual racism by white folks regarded Black men as hyper-masculine/hyper-sexual.

I’ve served as the Vice-President of a Black Queer student organization and gained a lot of first-hand experience with tackling our issues. I have led workshops, spoken at City Council hearings, supported my sistahs and bruthas, and advocated in my personal life. I founded QueerUP! Atlanta with my friends (who also happen to be fierce young activists in training) and we have BIG plans for the coming year I’ve volunteered with SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW!, The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Unity Conference at UNC Chapel Hill, The Alliance For Sexual and Gender Diversity, AIDS Walk Atlanta, JustUsAtl, and Georgia Equality. YPS recruits those who talk the talk and walk the walk. I talk, walk, snap, and end in a sick’ning shablam! lol

Im a dancer/voguer (drag queen- Cleopatra Jones), lover (love sex and having difficult conversations about sexual health), fighter (2nd degree Blackbelt in TaeKwonDo), slacktivist (I argue vehemently about social justice on every social network I own), crunk feminist/womanist scholar (Im becoming more and more well read in gender theory, critical race theory, and queer theory and applying what I learn to the world today), earned my Psychology BA (2013) with musings toward Neuroscience, Public Health, and Sociology. Im invested in transforming art/performance into protest. Lifting our voices, telling our stories, and making our presence known are my priorities. Im always trying to combine culture, research (especially science research), and theory into modern practice (cause theory aint always applicable to pop culture) so Im not against twerking for justice or stem cells for liberation Im a bit more radical than most people my age so I’d prefer to protest rather than lobby but I do look sharp in a suit Lastly, Im about that life.

I actually wrote a couple papers on this topic. I think it comes down to: empowerment and resources. Empowerment is directly 319338_4234934789576_382050086_nrelated to self-esteem, our bond to a community, our acceptance of our sexuality in a world that tells us we are wrong for being lgbtq and destined to fail as Black people. The more empowered our people feel, the more active they are in their daily lives and in the lives of countless others who need them. We must stop empowering the few and letting it stop there. We need to arm our people with the tools of action and conversation that allow them to take on the task of empowering others when we (as individuals or as institutions) cannot be around. Secondly, resources are important because they signal visibility, identity, and the prospect of accurate education on everything from culture to sexual health practices. To lower the HIV infection rate in the Black community, we need to stop looking at this as a Black MSM (men who have sex with men) issue because that limits discussion about oppression and racism and how they uniquely affect Black MSMs. To lower the HIV infection rate in the Black community, we need to address our lack of willingness to have empowered and accurate conversations about sex and sexual health. It IS possible to talk about liberation AND fucking. It IS possible to talk about twerking and explicit verbal consent. It IS possible to have these important conversations but not detract from the ways that make us unique. To lower the HIV infection rate in the Black community,we need to stop looking to white folks to devise strategies for OUR people. Black MSM don’t want to hear about using a condom from a white guy from the CDC. They respond to us, their peers, their lovers, and their family. Its time we have some uncomfortable, embarrassing conversations.

“What can you say about Mickey. I actually think he recruited us. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up running NYPS 10 years from now with the likes of Darius Jones or some of our other outstanding youth leaders. We get alot of members that join and eventually lose that spark that it takes to be a leader, but Mickey met us at our South Region Conference as has been a student of our unique brand of leadership development ever since. He has already taken on the city council in Atlanta. This kid is the real deal” stated NYPS Director Frank Walker.

Member Profile: Hakeem Hicks, Clemson, South Carolina

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Hakeem is a member of our Young Leaders Society.

Hakeem is a member of our Young Leaders Society.

I’m still fairly new to the LGBT community so I’m not as experienced with the community. But I feel that we as a generation of black gay youth are lost on a holistic level. Our focus is off! The majority seems to only care about the night life and the many other social aspects: “You going to Scorpios? Pride is going to be too crazy this year! Turn up!” But it doesn’t seem to be too many that are working to improve the ideas and notions that white america has about our community. How do we expect the government to begin to support us, if we aren’t taking the initial steps and showing them that we support ourselves. As long as the ones who are trying to bring about change and growth are the minority, we as African American LGBT community members will never rise!

I feel that I fit into this group because I’m not the “normal” black gay man. If you look all throughout the media black men are stereotyped negatively, those stereotypes worsen when you begin to look at black gay men. I feel that I fit into this group because I am a great example that go against those stereotypes. I feel that am a great role model for generations to come, I am grounded in spiritual-based morals, I have devoted my life to service and giving back, and I want someone to be encouraged by my life story.

Talents: Public Speaking Hobbies: Blogging, Singing, Volunteering Accomplishments: Gates Millennium Scholar Groups/Teams:

Hakeem has a special place in NYPS history as he is the first member ever to join via Instagram.

Hakeem has a special place in NYPS history as he is the first member ever to join via Instagram.

Clemson’s Chapter of NAACP, Clemson University’s Gospel Choir, Clemson’s Black Student Union, Gates Millennium Scholar

I honestly feel that the HIV infection rate is so high in the black community because we as a community don’t mind partaking in sexual activities we write, sing, and rap about it all of the time, but when it comes to advocating for safe sex we as a general community are silent. We try to mute the issues that are major issues in not just our communities but on global levels.

“Hakeem is really a great find for us. We recruited him just like most schools recruit athletes because we believe in his ability and if we are known for having the best, we need to have him on our team” stated NYPS director Frank Walker

Black LGBT Educators Series: Kenneth Morrison, Baltimore, MD

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KENNETH1Kenneth Morrison is a spoken word artist, an author, a community organizer, an advocate and an educator. Kenneth was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland.  His childhood was plagued with challenges, everything from his parent’s drug addiction, youth homelessness, to his fight for acceptance as a same-gender-loving young man in arguably one of the most dangerous communities in Baltimore.  His childhood experiences inflamed a passion for youth and community work that he will carry for the rest of his life. Kenneth received his education at Coppin State University and has a rich history of working in the field of human services. He was previously the Manager of Youth Services for Park Heights Renaissance, Lead Classroom Instructor for John Hopkins University CSOS, Director of Community Partnerships for Pimlico Road Youth Program Today, at 27, Kenneth is the Co-Director and Co-Founder of Dew More Baltimore.  Dew More Baltimore is an organization dedicated to using art and community organizing as tools to increase civic engagement in historically marginalized communities.  Dew More Baltimore is currently managing the Baltimore City Youth Poetry Team as well as four literary art classes in two public schools in Baltimore Maryland.

Interview…

Can you tell us a little about your coming out process and how the country looked at LGBT people during that time?

Like most, I had several “coming out” moments and each time was scary. I was not your obvious “gay” male, so I had to deal with the fact that no one expected that I was anything except “normal”. The first time I decided to come out was a week long process of  attempting to explain to my high school friends why I never chased after girls. Due to my fear of rejection, I decided to tell everyone that I was HIV positive, which was not true, but easier to say out loud. However, I learned that I needed something more from my friends than their sympathy, I needed their acceptance. I knew that if I was going to ever get their or anyone’s acceptance I was going to have to tell the truth.  So, one random day I shared with them that I as gay, and they smiled and affirmed a deep hope of mine, which was that it was ok.

This is was in 2001 and at that time, gay was publicly viewed, when publicly viewed, as flamboyant, white, or female. I didn’t have the luxury of seeing myself on television or publicly hearing that it was ok for me to be a black, gay man. So each step forward was scary, confusing, and lonely.

Did you hesitate when deciding to become an out, LGBT educator? Why or why not?

I have to say yes and no. For a long time I never thought I needed to share that part of myself with 13 and 14 year old students but one day it became clear that I didn’t have a choice. My coming out as a same gender loving teacher was a completely different coming out process. This time it wasn’t about my needs at all. I remember the day I came out like it happen this morning. I was teaching a 9th grade poetry class. I instructed my students to take 30 minutes to write a poem about themselves and one student refused to turn his into me. With a little coaching he allowed me to read it and I realized after the third line or so that this wasn’t a poem about his life, it was a suicide note that happen to rhyme. He wrote over, and over again that he needed to kill himself because he was broken. He never noted that he was gay but I recognized his pain instantly. I knew his pain personally and without any hesitation I told him that I also use to feel the same way. I told him that at 14 I wrote the same poems and now I write poems that shows how not broken I am. At that moment he smiled and I knew that to not share my truth was forcing children who hid in the shadows to walk the same dark, scary road I was forced to walk.

Has it been your experience that LGBT students welcome having a LGBT educator? What about non LGBT students?
I think my students enjoy having an honest, open, whole teacher in front of them. I imagine my honesty and comfortableness being inspiring to all students regardless of their sexuality. I also think their respect for me makes it easier for my non LGBT students to respect my LGBT students.  For example, they would never call each other fags, or say homophobic things in my class. They also use terms like significant other, which makes the LGBT students who would normally be excluded through something as simple as normal, informal KENNETHdiscussions feel a part of a whole.Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for black LGBT youth who are considering becoming a educator?

This may seem overly simple, but do it! Just remember when you do, as it should be when you do anything, be whole. Anything that is worth doing deserves your whole self.Some cities have or are considering having specific schools for LGBT youth. What are your thoughts on that?

I think any oasis is great obviously, however I would prefer if the resources, attention, and struggle went into making every school a safe place or “oasis” for all students. We are all part of a whole, and its important that we learn to appreciate the other parts and find comfort, and purpose in the whole. Schools purpose, or so I believe, is to provide students with the tools necessary to be successful in society, and a big part of this is learning to navigate and impact, the larger society. With that said I am a clear proponent of schools that push inclusion.

——-

 

The NYPS series on black LGBT educators in America is a project our our black LGBT youth with disabilites program called SWAG, the only national program in the U.S. for this population. Every attempt has been made to let these young people manage this project on their own, please contact us with concerns or questions you may have regarding this post at youthpridecenter@gmail.com.

 

 

Our black LGBT youth with disabilities rarely get to participate in training’s, workshops and events across the country because it can cost up to three times the amount (depending on the disability) to cover expenses. If you would like to sponsor a youth by making a donation of $20 or more, specifically to this program, please email us at youthpridecenter@gmail.com

The “TAXMAN” is a feature film coming out this winter about the life of a black LGBT educator, for more information please watch this quick video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpKXTpBXOvg

New York Black LGBT’s & Youth Come Together To Welcome National Audience

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It’s no secret that National Youth Pride Services is bringing its popular Regional Conference Series for Black LGBT Youth, called “I Am Black Excellence” to New York City for the first time – but what may be even more exciting than that is how black LGBT people and youth in New York are going above and beyond to welcome and support the one of a kind, unique conference for those under 25.

From GMAD”S Youth Advisory Board (Gay Men of African Descent) to Bronx AIDS Services and everyone in between, when black LGBT youth from the East Coast and Northeast regions, as well as, nationally recognized guests and speakers, arrive in New York City for a weekend of empowerment, education, networking and self discovery – they will get a new taste of hospitality: Big Apple Style!

Early registration for the Aug 9-11 Conference in open now and available via this link. Early Registration is preferred and ends June 1, 2013. There is no cost to attend. A limited number of travel scholarships are available. discount housing and travel options for youth available. Weekend includes, 6 workshops/presentations, opening and closing ceremonies, all meals, 2 movie screenings and networking with black LGBT youth from the eastern states.

For more information on the conference site, contact the host youth committee via Romeo at GMAD at 718-222-6300.

For all other conference details and information, or to sponsor a youth contact National Youth Pride Services at youthpridecenter@gmail.com.

Below is a list of male presenters and guest scheduled to appear. Female presenters and guests announced in June.

Kye Allums, first out transgender youth to play for a NCAA Division I team scheduled to appear.

Kye Allums, first out transgender youth to play for a NCAA Division I team scheduled to appear.

Kali Lindsey, National Minority AIDS Council scheduled to appear

Kali Lindsey, National Minority AIDS Council scheduled to appear

Daryl Hannah, 50 Black LGBT People Youth Should Know, scheduled to appear.

Daryl Hannah, 50 Black LGBT People Youth Should Know, scheduled to appear.

Darnell Moore, Aug 9 Keynote Speaker

Darnell Moore, Aug 9 Keynote Speaker

Jay Blahnik scheduled to appear

Jay Blahnik scheduled to appear

Morning Wood Show co host Demond Maurice Bouvier scheduled to Appear
Morning Wood Show co host Demond Maurice Bouvier scheduled to Appear

Finding Me scheduled tom appear

Finding Me scheduled tom appear

Black LGBT Educators Series: Leisan C. Smith, University of Cincinnati

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April 2013 IILeisan C. Smith is a native of Columbus, Ohio. She moved to Cincinnati to attend the University of Cincinnati earning her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and her Masters of Education in Educational Foundations and Graduate Women’s Studies certificate.
Her professional experiences and her passion include working with and advocating for students, especially those students whose voices are not always heard.  Some of these experiences include overseeing a YWCA program for teen moms and their children, being a high school principal and running an Upward Bound Program.

Leisan currently serves as the first Director of the LGBTQ Center at her alma mater, the University of Cincinnati.  In this role she oversees the day-to-day operations of the Center, provides resources and support for LGBTQ students, staff & faculty, serves as an advocate for LGBTQ students, staff and faculty and designs and facilitates Safe Zone Training (SZT) for the university and Cincinnati community.  SZT seeks to increase the visible presence of students, staff and faculty who can help to shape a campus culture that is accepting of all people regardless of sexuality, gender identification/expression or any other difference.  Training topic exercises include: becoming comfortable discussing sexuality and gender identifications, the importance of inclusive language, creating safe spaces and how to be a supportive ally for LGBTQ social justice and equality.
She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and a 2012 YWCA Rising Star.  In her spare time she enjoys singing with MUSE Cincinnati’s Women’s Choir and reading a good book.

Interview:

  • Can you tell us a little about your coming out process and how the country looked at LGBT people during that time?

My coming out process did not start until I was about to graduate from college as an undergraduate student.  The hardest part for me, was coming out to myself and being ok with who I thought I might be.  Once I was able to do that (through a lot of counseling and tears) then I could begin to move forward with other people.  Actually, I remember when I started dating the first woman I dated.  I told myself, “ok, no one will ever have to know I date women” and I at that time, I actually believed that that was how I would live my life.  The coming out process was not an easy one.  Because folks would probably label me as “femme” people were shocked that I was coming out as a lesbian.  For a  lot of friends, it was a less about the fact that they had a friend who identified as a lesbian and more about the fact that it was me saying I was a lesbian.  Coming out to my family went surprisingly well, with the exception of my mother.  We did not speak for about a year.  I’ve now been out to her for over 10 years and we’ve 2012never had a conversation about my sexuality.
I started working through my coming out process in 1999.  At that time, there wasn’t a lot of buzz about LGBTQ folks so when the conversation came up, it was usually not a good one.  It was not one on gay pride or equality.  It was a conversation about wrongness and strangeness.

  • Did you hesitate when deciding to become a out, LGBT educator? Why or why not?

I have worked as an educator in some capacity for most of my adult life.  The bulk of that time was spent in administration at a charter high school.  Although I was out in most spaces in my life by this time, I was not out at work and chose not to be.  Part of it had to do with me still not being 100% comfortable with myself.  Because of this, I had stories in my head about how my staff would react, how they would treat me differently and I was scared to death about my high school students (16-21 years old).
By the time I applied for the job I currently have, I was more comfortable with who I was, but I was not out in the job I had when I applied for this position.  I do feel like this position was the missing piece I needed to be out, comfortable, proud and outspoken in all areas of my life.
As one of the few out folks on this campus, I think my identity is important not just for students, but for other staff and faculty.  It’s even more important as an African-American lesbian so that other students of color who might be struggling with their identity se that we are out here and see a positive example.

  • Has it been your experience that LGBT students welcome having a LGBT educator? What about non LGBT students?

My LGBTQ students love having an LGBTQ educator.  In the beginning, a lot of them made the (wrong) assumption that I identified as heterosexual, but they liked me nonetheless.  Once they figured out I identified as a lesbian I think they felt an ever better connection with me.
I make sure to be a visible presence in other circles on campus, especially as it pertains to students of color.  I’m pretty sure that most of them know my role on campus and that I’m an out lesbian, and they have still accepted me with open arms.  Plus, they know if they have an issue with their sexuality or gender identity, or they have a friend that needs someone to speak with, I am here.

  • Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for black LGBT youth who are considering becoming a educator?

The most important first step is being comfortable with you are.  If being an educator is your passion, go for it!  Our youth need positive black role models and our black LGBTQ youth need us even more.  However, you have to be ready to take on the battles that might come with dignity, strength and love for the students you serve.

  • Some cities have or are considering having specific schools for LGBT youth. What are your thoughts on that?

My initial reaction is that I am not a fan.  I am a proponent of diversity and inclusion and this does not happen well when we begin to segregate.  Our schools need to do a better job of making sure all students are safe and feel included in the school setting.  The answer is not to separate but to work through the differences.

—-

The NYPS series on black LGBT educators in America is a project our our black LGBT youth with disabilites program called SWAG, the only national program in the U.S. for this population. Every attempt has been made to let these young people manage this project on their own, please contact us with concerns or questions you may have regarding this post at youthpridecenter@gmail.com.

Our black LGBT youth with disabilities rarely get to participate in training’s, workshops and events across the country because it can cost up to three times the amount (depending on the disability) to cover expenses. If you would like to sponsor a youth by making a donation of $20 or more, specifically to this program, please email us at youthpridecenter@gmail.com

The “TAXMAN” is a feature film coming out this winter about the life of a black LGBT educator, for more information please watch this quick video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpKXTpBXOvg

Brian Richards Reflects on the NYPS South Region Conference: “I Am Black Excellence”

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“Attaining the Impossible Dream”

            The YPS annual South Regional conference this year took place at The Evolution Project located in Atlanta, Georgia. The center is a drop in community center for LGBT youth and adults ages 18-28 that aids with HIV/AIDS testing and support, job placement, mental health services in the form of group or individual counseling, and home to special events such as card games, balls, movie nights and more. The conference opened with a discussion on what it was like to grow up being gay in the south. The first of many speakers for the conference was Miko Evans who spoke from his own experience about what it was like for him to grow up during a time when movements for the advancement of the LGBT community had just began.
NYPS member Brian Richard, Louisiana, attend our South Region Conference in Atlanta.

NYPS member Brian Richard, Louisiana, attend our South Region Conference in Atlanta.

The conference continued with stories from NYPS members recalling their experiences with being gay in the south. There was one female who attended the conference who at first glance appeared to be a straight ally. However when she recalled her story of being gay in the south there was a familiar bond. She was a very courageous, proud, and humble person. Her story, like mine, included a very religious background. But unlike my own her story was deeply rooted in intolerance as opposed to the acceptance I was shown. There was always a “new” coming out story by a friend of a member who came in support. His story was always as relative to me because he was fairly new to the community in a sense and because he came to the conference expecting to gain so much from the experience. This part of the conference was probably my favorite because it allowed us to relate to one another’s personal stories and strengths despite the obstacles we all had to face, not only as LGBT in the south, but most importantly as minority LGBT with distinctive gifts and immeasurable talents.

After the open discussion about our coming out stories and experience with being gay in the south we were given a lunch break to further indulge one another on interests such as hobbies, favorite artists, our musical and movie tastes, and genuine fellowship. The next part of the conference included our next topic which was viral marketing. We were able to get a better understanding of what it means to go viral as well as learning about the ways to go about funding or starting our own non-profit organizations. The next segment in the conference introduced the next guests’ notable director, actor, producer, writer, and creator of GLO TV network Maurice Jamal as well as famed blogger of 3LWTV and huge Oprah supporter and friend Lonnell Williams. The two guests took turns introducing each other and showed a genuine connection as well as mutual respect for one another.
Jamal recounted to the members his story of how he got “Dirty Landry” from Pre-production to Loretta Devine, a star in the movie. He recalls how he was trying to raise money to get the movie done and how he had chosen Ms. Devine to play the part long before she signed the dotted line. His story resonated with the members because as he said “Don’t tell God how to bless you” was the everlasting theme. He told us all how he had a fear of not having any money and that he doubted Ms. Devine would sign on without it. But later due to a chance encounter and his passion and drive because of it, Loretta not only signed on for the movie but also allowed him to use her name to get other actors and funding to begin and complete the film.
Lonnell began his story recounting wanting to get a tweet from Oprah and befriending her to reminding us all that impossible goals are an oxymoron. He told us how he began to tweet Ms. Winfrey and finally got a tweet, but not a reply. Ms. Winfrey had been apparently reading his tweets for some time and would periodically tweet him out the blue, all the while she was not following him. The last tweet that initiated the “impossible dream” of him meeting her came when he was in Chicago and was asked by Oprah was he attending her “Life Class” session. He replied and told her that he would not be in attendance because he hadn’t had a ticket for the class. Ms. Winfrey replied by telling him to contact one of her assistants regarding the class and was not only allowed to attend but was given the VIP treatment from Ms. Winfrey and her staff. After the uplifting and inspiring stories told by Mr. Jamal and Mr. Williams all of the youth were asked to name an impossible goal/dream or two. I don’t know if it was due to what we heard from our two guests or not but the members began to telling how they have amazing goals that they want to achieve. My shared goal was to have the 2nd best-selling book ever, only 2nd to the bible which my grandmother herself assigned to me when I first began writing my first novel. My other goal, which I hadn’t shared at the time, is to work for at least 10 recording artists or authors for a period of a year at a time to glean knowledge of the business from and to hopefully get noticed.
After this session we were then introduced to the cast and creator of the hit web-series Freefall. We were able to sit and chat with these amazing men who shared some of their dreams and aspirations with us as well.
All in all the conference was not only fun but also thought provoking, inspiring, and a much needed affirmation that being LGBT means more than just being a minority group but it showed us in the best of ways that we are talented, fearless, and that “our gifts will make room for us.”
Brian Richard, NYPS Member, Louisiana

FINDING ME: TURNING POINT Live Screening

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Reblogged from Finding Me:

From the award-winning creators of the hit movies Finding Me and Finding Me:  Truth,

and the addictively popular spin-off Finding Me: The Series

Roger S. Omeus Jr and OmeProductions Films presents

FINDING ME: TURNING POINT

‘TURNING POINT’ is the climactic conclusion of this chapter of

FINDING ME the Series Season 1

This theatrical explosive story comes to the

ANTHOLOGY FILM ARCHIVES theater in New York City…

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NYPS Leadership and Development Series Go Public on Mobile App

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Series #1

Series #1

National Youth Pride Services has won numerous awards over its ten year history for its home grown youth leadership development workshops, retreats and presentations.

We are excited to announce that the general public, including black LGBT youth, will now be able to view, share, download and read seasonal curriculum, talking points and notes from our leadership and development team – and select special guest as of June 2013.

From our mobile app, click on “Develop” to get each series, workshop or presentation in June.

You can see all of our past course offerings and the presentations (that we still do in person, by request, all across the country) from the top of our website by visiting “What We Do”.

The first series in on new online leadership development series is entitled “Breaking Chains”. Many black LGBT youth face circumstances beyond their control which they feel prevents them from being successful or reaching goals. This series is designed to let them know they are not their circumstances and retail, attainable steps to break out from them.

To download our app visit our website or Facebook page.

Push marriage over the finish line in Minnesota

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Reblogged from National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Blog:

Minnesota can become the 12th state in the nation to gain marriage equality next week. But we need to finish the job! The staff of the Task Force is proud to have worked in Minnesota for years, making sure that people had the skills to have the conversations that clearly changed hearts and minds. We've helped to lead thousands of conversations to make sure people heard our stories and understood the importance of marriage equality for our community.

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