Fairgrounds IV - September 14th

The & Show: If I smoked weed...

The Fashion Issue of UNeQ Magazine

Get Ready for Volume 3 of UNeQ... coming THIS FALL!!!

Coming this September...

Got2b(2) @ OCEAN

introducing Nathan Seven Scott TV

The & Show: Will McNair & Nkosi Brown

POSITIVE Exclusive Parts 1 - 4

OCEAN TUESDAYS

The & Show: Black Women Revisited

The Nathan Seven Scott Experience

August is here and the summer is coming to a close. It's been a very interesting summer to say the least. So much has happened. July was wonderful and productive and I pray that August will bring forth more wonderful surprises.

As I begin to count down the days leading up to my trip to SOUTH AFRICA, the excitement builds. I still can't believe that I am actually going. It's one of life's dreams come true for me. I'm going with a few friends on what I am calling THE HOPE TOUR: 21 Days in South Africa to share an amazing experience and effect the lives of others. I cannot wait to tell you all about it because at that point I will be INTERNATIONAL.... LOL! I will make every effort to share my experience while I am there but you can best believe I will have a story or two upon my return.

This month I am choosing to let go. I am choosing to not let past hurts continue to haunt me. I am choosing not to be that bitter faggot that lurks around every corner. I am looking to new beginnings. I am looking to establish new relationships and build new experiences. This month I present to you The Nathan Seven Scott Experience. This particular project has been sitting on my desk for months and it hit me in July that I had just a bit more to say and this was the platform to do it. So, I am sharing my experiences with YOU!

Also this month, I am embarking on another media outlet and that is my own online radio show. I will be on www.alldigitalradio.com every THURSDAY at 8PM Est. So you have to check that out. I will be giving advice on life, relationships & sex mostly (if not my own sex life, somebody's LOL). Occasionally I will have a friend or 2 drop in to share the microphone with me. I'm looking forward to it so stay tuned...

The N:X presents POSITIVE Part 1

The N:X presents FLAWLESS

THE PARTIES Continue...

Lee Hayes - The Messiah

1. Can you give me a brief summary about your new book "The Messiah"? The Messiah is a crazy, off-da-fucking hook story and a very different kind of book for me. The premise is pretty simple: Imagine meeting the man of your dreams: he’s tall, dark, extremely handsome, successful and he is completely in love with you; in fact, he is everything you hoped you’d find in a lover.

Now, what happens if you begin to suspect that this man of your dreams is a notorious serial killer?

The novel is the story of Gabriel Kaine, a disgraced journalist who gained notoriety months ago covering a series of ritualistic killings by The Messiah. After the messiah disappeared months ago, Gabriel finds his career in a funk, much like the rest of his life, until his meets his dream man, Dr. Garrett Lord.

2. Why did you call it "The Messiah"? It is called The Messiah because the psycho killer in the story really thinks he is The Messiah. He preys only on gays and lesbians in a twisted attempt to save their souls right before he kills them in twisted and Biblically-inspired fashion.

3. Zane is a huge supporter of you obviously, she is presenting your work. How did you guys meet? Well, a few years back when I self-published my first novel, Passion Marks, I did a lot of Internet Marketing. Anytime I found a group who was reading anything about anything I would email information about Passion Marks, including an excerpt from the first chapter. If you’ve read the book, then you know it opens with a brutal beating and rape of the character Kevin Davis by his controlling lover, James Lancaster. Then one day, I posted the chapter on a list serve designed for black women readers/writers and I got an email from the person who thought the chapter was really good and wanted to know what I wanted to do with the knowledge. We emailed each other several times and I finally looked up the name on the profile and it said, “ZANE” and I emailed her back asking if she was the ZANE. Of course, it was her and she told me she had just formed a company with Simon & Schuster out of New York. I finally asked her if I could send her the whole book and if she could give me some feedback. I sent it to her and couple of weeks later she emailed me saying she “looooooooooved the book” and that I should call her. So, I did and the rest is literary history…LOL.

4. How has the success of your books changed your life? Well, I’m still pretty much the same person, only a few more people know who I am or have read my books. The coolest thing is getting emails from people or having conversations with people who have been “saved” by reading Passion Marks or decided not to cheat on their lover because they read A Deeper Blue: Passion Marks II, my second novel. Being in a position to inspire people to live their dreams and to take back control over their lives is a very, very cool thing.

I want you to ask me this same question in a year. I have big things planned. And, the books are just the beginning.

5. Do you plan on making movies out of any of your titles? Has anyone approached you thus far? HELL YES! I would love to see Passion Marks on the big screen. I mean, can you imagine how powerful and provocative the story would be when—not if—it comes to life the big screen. Passion Marks is gripping and seeing images of domestic abuse and violence between two black gay men would shock and awe.

I have a couple of things in the works, a couple of good contacts, folks reviewing The Messiah for a possible movie, as well as strong interest in Passion Marks. I’m actually writing the screenplay to Passion Marks right now and will be done by the end of August. So, although nothing is definite now, I know that it shall come to pass! I have spoken my dreams into existence…

6. Does music influence your writing? Wow….this question completely caught me off guard, but the answer to it is yes. If you notice, I make many, many musical references to songs and artists in my novels. I have mentioned everyone from Stephanie Mills, to Jill Scott, to India Arie to Jennifer Holliday and Jennifer Hudson. Music is a driving force and I use the songs that I am feeling at the time in some form in my books. Music is power, it is passion, it is a life beat and there is no way I could write if I wasn’t influenced my music.

7. What is your next project? Passion Marks – the movie!!!!! And, I have a hot, steamy, sexy anthology of erotic short stories coming out in March 2008. I selected some of the best gay writers to participate in the book and I can’t wait until it burns up the shelves. There will be a lot of touching and feeling going on!

FLAWLESS - August 2007 - Nkosi Brown

Mmmmm…why do I like to make people laugh?

I guess I’ve never like tense situations and have often used humor to diffuse them. I especially hate arguments and in my ideal world people would converse for the sake of understanding—which has a very different energy than an argument and/or debate.

In general, I love the power of humor because I think it is the great equalizer. Like everyone can laugh at my material and I’m sure for very different reasons. As a comic, I have learned that neither my race nor sexual orientation limits me to a particular audience or market. I really want to stress how big this realization is for me.

Here’s a quick story: I was asked to perform in front of a late 20s--early 30’s straight urban crowd out in Brooklyn. I hesitated for a few weeks because I was really scared for every reason one could imagine. It turned out to be a tough room—but their response had nothing to do with my sexual orientation. There were those who were focused on their drinks and conversation, but I had a core audience who laughed with me, loved me, congratulated me, and encouraged me.

After the show this PHNYE Jamaican…who I had really hope was on the DL and trying to holla… said, “Listen, I’m gonna tell you as a yardie, if I think you are funny then you are funny.” Despite his arrogance and my disappointment and soaked underwear, I took his statement to mean: I’m supposed to be homophobic by my culture and you made me laugh. That’s the impact I am to have in this world—to move beyond the societal limits that are supposed to be in place in this world and comedy is my vehicle.

Spiritually Speaking ... Taking Vacation

Many of us in the United States look forward to summer vacations whether our summers are, in fact, the best times to take them. As it turns out, other times of year could be better for us in a number of ways. For example, on one of the early-morning news shows the other day I heard an “expert” informing viewers that all the companies and individuals who make money when we buy gasoline enjoy the busiest travel month of all in the US, August, because demand for fuel is heaviest; thus, suppliers and sellers can “justify” raising prices throughout the eighth month (as if they have needed any special reasons or excuses of late!).

In any case, we do need vacations, and even though demands on employees in the US are very high, we are typically offered less vacation time than colleagues in other countries and cultures (notably in Europe). Judging from the heavy-duty marketing of travel to LGBT persons, it is possible that non-heterosexuals in the States may find ways to get their vacations despite time-stingy companies.

The ancient Hebrews who imagined how their God could have created the heavens (that is, literally, the skies) and the earth believed that for whatever reason after six days of work even God needed and took a day off. The Hebrew words (shabbat and shavat) from which we get our English “sabbath” meant something like: cease as in ceasing from labor (“ceasing” being a more accurate translation than “rest” or “resting”).

In the modern scientific world where many may scoff at the efforts of the ancients to explain something prescientifically, we can verify and quantify that prolonged periods of physically taxing and/or emotionally stressful work literally steal our health from us. The ancients were on to something after all. If even God needed a rest, certainly woman and man did. We need regular breaks. We need refreshment and relaxation. We need vacations. We need sabbaths!

Evolution of a Man...

Somewhere Over the Rainbow…

It’s summer time, and once again, everyone seems to be frantically searching for locations far, far away at which they can let their hair down, forget about their troubles, and perhaps, get down with gay people from across the globe. This latter agenda item leaves us questioning our friends, researching online and more in the hopes that we will find a comfortable, entertaining and relaxing destination where we can be as gay as we wanna be.

I, myself have yet to extensively travel the globe- I’ve only been out of the country once a few years ago, and that was on a trip with family members. Right- not gay at all! It is definitely time, however to spread my little queer wings a little wider and go on holiday. But where does one travel when conquering the gay globe? After doing a little research of my own, I’ve compiled a list of what I’ll call the 5 Gay Meccas of the world. Hopefully they will help you in researching your next big gay vacation.

First, let’s start at home… NEW YORK CITY!

Now, I know many, if not most of you are thinking, “Bitch, I live in NYC. Why the hell would I want to vacation here?” If this is you, I ask you to consider the following. Consider the fact that there are probably many, many places that you have not yet visited, and many things that you have yet to see and do in the city in which you live- regardless of whether it’s NYC, ATL, Chicago, etc. Try opening your mind just a little bit more, and go on an adventure in your own city. Visit a part of the city (perhaps known to be gay) that you would normally not travel to or party in, and see what comes up. Who knows, you might find your new favorite coffee shop, club, boyfriend- whatever. You never know what’s out there…

Now, let’s get outta the country!

Mykonos:

First and foremost, Mykonos boast a wide variety of beaches both gay friendly and predominately gay. Now, it may be true that many black gay men aren’t going near any body of water for no swimmin’, but if there’s one hobby that gay men across the globe participate in, it’s staring at other hot gay men. What better place than to do that than on the beaches of some foreign land? The general rule of thumb around Mykonos beaches is that the more rocky the beach, the more likely you will find studs cruising it.

It is advised that you plan your stay in the port for more lively gay nightlife. However, if you wish to have a more relaxing trip, a location near Plati Yalou Beach would be more for you. There is a very gay friendly area called Little Venice- known for its outdoor café’s, bars and shops. And after all, that eating, drinking and shopping, you can catch the sunset at the Kastro Bar (also in Little-Venice) and then dance the night away amongst the local divas at Pierro’s gay disco.

Ibiza:

God, I love Spain! When I visited there (only for a few days), I found myself in need of many changes of underwear after a healthy day of cruising and sightseeing. Ibiza remains to this day, one of Europe’s premiere destinations for homos and their friends.

Don’t you dare visit Ibiza without hitting up Privilege- the world’s largest club. There’s also Es Paradis- noted for its water parties, and Amnesia- known for foam parties. (side note: if you’ve never been to a foam party before, you have not yet lived! That shit is bananas!). The point here is that although the beaches of Ibiza are fantastic, and definitely worth seeing; if you don’t hit up all the clubs and bars that Ibiza has to offer, then you are not only missing out on some serious dancing, but some serious chorizo as well.

Montreal:

Although Montreal does have a great gay social scene, I, being a peaceful-natured queer love the draw of the many Bed and Breakfast spots located in the village. These quaint little mini-hotels are located right in the heart of gay Montreal- many of them open for men only. What’s great about them is that at first glance, one may think of them as a simple hotel, they are so much more- they tend to be a bit more comfortable than many other hotels- and as opposed to staying in a hotel, one of the pluses of staying at a B&B is it’s feeling of home. You don’t ever really feel too far away from home staying at a B&B.

Also, while in Montreal, I would recommend venturing out into the country and going for a hike. Montreal has great hiking within the city limits, and much more backpacking in the surrounding regions. Not all vacation destinations have to end up with a trip to the beach and/or club. I love the outdoors, and quite often jump at the opportunity to strap on a backpack, and hike up a mountain to a nice lake/ campsite. While in Montreal, if hiking/ backpacking strikes your fancy, be sure to check out the mountain, Mont Royal. There you will find dozens of trails and pathways in the area. I know it sounds intimidating and just plain “not fun” for many of you, but try it out. What’s the point of living if you’re not going to try something new every once in a while.

Bangkok:

Finally, there’s this little piece of Thailand that boasts some of the wildest parties and most extreme gay culture. Bangkok is the heart of gay Thailand, although money can’t buy you love, it can buy you a close copy for a short time- if that’s what you’re into. The party scene in Bangkok ranges from bars, to clubs, to saunas, to karaoke and cabaret. If you can think it up, it probably exists somewhere in Bangkok. The “gayborhood” of Bangkok is located in the ever-so-trendy Silom/Suriwong/Patpong area. The nightlife is fierce, bordering insane, with most of the gay go-go bars featuring sexy shows in addition to go-go dancing. (y’all know I love me some strippers!).

If you haven’t already guessed, Bangkok gives a little more of a seedy representation than the other gay destinations on this list. I wanted to add it so as to show the vast differences in experiences that you encounter in your trek across the gay globe. In gay Bangkok, the feminine side of society is celebrated. In fact, upon visiting, you will learn of the famous “ladyboys” who walk the streets in search of their next party, function, etc. Most are she-males who cannot afford the full operation, but interestingly enough find themselves partners in both gay and straight men. Sure, it may be a vast difference from what you are used to, but you’re bound to learn a lot about the world once you visit.

*****

Of course there are many, many more destinations and adventures to be had across the globe- I just wanted to point out a few that I have been researching while looking to plan my next vacation. Regardless of where you are going- whether it’s near or far to your current location, as you travel over the rainbow, be sure to be careful, stay protected, and take a camera- you’re gonna want to catch it ALL on film! Have a great trip!

The N:X presents Stanley Bennett Clay Part 1

The N:X presents POSITIVE Part 2