SGL Contents 2 3 7 8
Editor’s Letter Go Inside “Raw” with JL King Ask Nathan 7 Scott Philly Black Pride with Maurice Runea
Editor’s Letter Can you believe that we are on our 8th issue already it seems like just yesterday. When I started this publication. My goal for this magazine is to spread the message of our community around the world to let young and old people know that we matter. We are not going to settle for less anymore we are going to rise up and take back what is rightfully ours. Wether it is marriage, having kids, getting a education and even SERVING in the Arm Forces out and pride. When I started this publication the day before my 26th birthday. I never dreamed that it would touch down in Africa, Europe, Australia, Canada, South America, Mexico, Asia, Japan and so many more countries. I need your help spreading our message of SGL Weekly to your friend, family members, co-worker and even people you don’t know. You can print each issue up at home or on the office computer (laugh out loud). If you would like to be featured or write, draw, etc. Please email us at sglweeklymag@gmail.com. Until Next Week Peace, Love and God Bless. Cordially, Cleavester Brooks Editor- In- Chief
Go Inside “Raw” with J. L. King A Cleavester Brooks Interview Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with a legend in the making in our community. The world came to know J.L. King in 2005 on the Oprah Winfrey talk show. With his then new book On The DL which retraces his life, marriage and the secret he was hiding. Many have praised King and many have wish he never were alive. No matter how you feel about this man. He is a father, friend, and so much more. On the even of his new play “Raw” he sat down with SGL Weekly. I am very thankful that he took the time to do this interview. I will be forever grateful to J.L. King, and I wish him all the best with this new play. Check out our discussion. What is your new play "Raw" about? I wrote the real stories of 5 friends who were able to release their fears, issues and secrets about sex, sexuality, family, faith, relationships, health and self that will also free people who see it and can relate to their issues. I wanted this play to stay in tune with my mission statement which is: I always want to bring awareness that empowers and sets free. Why did you decide to do a new play in this economy? When Lawrence Page approached me about working with him in doing a play. I have worked on a lot of stage plays in the past, but never one that would be seen in NYC. Even though the economy if messed up, life still goes on. Will you tour with the new play or just keep it in NYC? In the perfect world. I would love for the play to run for years in NYC. But, we have plans to take it to LA, Miami, SF, Toronto, and London. We are already getting requests from Atlanta and other major markets that want the play in their city. Will you tape "Raw"? Don't know yet. Who is J. L. King? The most mis understood black man in America. To really get to know me is to respect and love me. I am many things, but the one thing that I am most proud of it being a father to 3 adults that love me unconditionally. What kind of child were you? I was the first live birth for my parents. My mother had 5 babies that die at birth before me. So you know how protected and spoiled I was growing up. My parents gave me and my only sibling
the world. From private piano lessons to being in the Boy Scouts. I was raised in a very middle class community with old fashion values. What did you want to be when you grew up? Rich and powerful (smile) What was it like being on Oprah? I tell people that being on Oprah is the best experience that one can have. The only thing that can top that would be to sit and talk to Jesus. How did that come about? One of her producers called me one Saturday morning and told me that they had a file on me and my work. The knew the book (On The Down Low) was being released and they were working on a show about HIV and black women. Oprah wanted me to be a guest on the show to talk about the DL behavior. The rest is history. The show was shown more then 7 times and people keep forgetting that she also did a part two of the show on her After Oprah segment. I was told that my show was ranked number 7 as her most watched show and the show that still gets requests to be shown again.. Has life changed for you since the show or is it still the same? NO, I'm a totally changed man. I love me more, I am open and honest about my sexuality. I have used that experience to become a role model for others on how taking risks can pay off, and more importantly, I have become a new man, with a new attitude about life. What is "On the Low" about for those that haven't read your book? LOL, wow, OTDL is about my life of lying, living in denial, and hurting people who loved me. It is my personal story of how God used something that was ugly to help millions to avoid the same hurt. What is "Coming Up from the Low" about? Life after Oprah. How the world reacted from me being real about me. It is a great book, but never got the exposure or marketing that it should have from my publisher. Are you going to write any more books besides "Love on a Two-Way Street"? I have written 8 books, 6 through my own self publishing company, Urban Moon Publishing.
What can we expect from you in the future? To continue to push the envelope and make people react . But, I am beginning to slow down and enjoy the rest of my life with my children and hopefully one day be a grand father. Are we going to see you on television in the future? Yes. I am working on a new TV talk show. It will be the first national talk show for and about the GLBT community Who would you like to play you on the big screen? WOW. There are so many sharp black actors out today. But, if I had my choice, I would love to have Tyrese to play me. He is a fine black man who could bring my story to life. What happen to your magazine? The biggest mistake that I have ever made....didn't do my homework, thought I could pull it off and it almost bankrupted me. What is your view on the gay community and the black gay community? I am an active member of the Atlanta Gay community. I love being involved in projects and causes that give back. I write checks to help organizations who work in HIV prevention. I volunteer where I am asked, and I give of my time, talent and money until some things it hurts. 90% of my friends are gay...so I've come a long long long way. What advice would you give to someone trying to find them self? Accept yourself first, and don't live your life to please others....life is too short, then you die, and you don't get a second chance...just be you.
What is a day in the life of J. L. King like? Prayer, laugher, loving, great sex, and creating opportunities for myself and others who are in my life. And a great cup of Starbucks. I am hooked on that liquid crack..LOL Thank you, J. L. Do you have any final words? Thank you. Get to know me. I am a very approachable brother. I love people, I love great conversation, and don't judge me based on what you heard, ask me. Contact J.L. King at www.jlking.net and check out Raw The Play in New York at Actors’ Playhouse 100 Seventh Avenue South; New York, NY 10014 (Between Grover and Bleecker) Call 212-255-6452 or www.nyactorsplayhouse.com
Ask Nathan 7 Scott Dear Nathan, Why are people always complaining about what they have and don't have, and when you tell them about it. They still don't do anything about it. Yours Truly, Tried of hearing It
Dear Tired: We live in a world of complaints. We find ourselves on a day to day basis, comparing our lives to the lives of other people. We have essentially been conditioned to wanting MORE. When we see that others around us have something new and shiny, we want it to. This could range from a new car, a new job, a new house and even a new relationship. Consider not responding to other people's complaints in a way that disempowers you. Instead, choose to empower them by telling them how to go about changing their situation. Then move on.
Philly Black Pride by: Maurice Runea Philly Black Pride was an experience, It was 85 degrees but the event at club SHAMPOO Sunday was hotter than the weather. One of the evenings event host was non other than the talented and funny Buttafly Soul who's wit is always a crowd motivator. The audience was treated to performances by Phillies own Ms Philly Black Pride: Finesse, who wowed the audience with her Diana Ross and Crystal Water numbers, upcoming R&B artist Khalif performed a few renditions and one of his original tracks titled "Stop Calling Me" and sexy hip-hop rapper Bry'Nt gave us a hot and steamy performance topless, LOL As usual with any large GLBT Event, there were a few celebs in the house... recording artist Baron and hip-hop rappers King Jabbar and Last Offence were in the house as well Derron Cook, who's doing big things, be on the look out and The Rainbow Collective was there representing. A LGBT Informational Pride Fair was being held in the patio area of the club where one could network & obtain LGBT events and organizations. Shout-out to P.R. Rep RaShawn who was my travel partner, we had a blast and let me not forget to mention the boyz in Philly are Phine, New York definitely has some serious competition, lol. A SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT to the fans of my show who approached me with love and well wishes, I love you all. Stay tuned to all the happening coming up in the Summer months, The next pride event you can catch Maurice Runea at is going to be DC Pride, so be on the look out for that! May is the true beginning of Summer and there so much to look forward to, here's a few upcoming happenings, Stay tuned for more updates: Season 2 Premiere of Maurice Runea "The Show" May 4th, on The Rainbow Collective www.TheRainbowCollective.com Barons "Party with b." Video Release Party & performance Wed, May 13th @ 08:00 PM 310 Lounge, New York, NY www.artistbaron.com DC Black Pride 2009 May 22nd -25th www.dcblackpride.org
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