COP 24/7 Unleashed and Unabashed

With summer rolling up on us with a quickness, so does the PRIDE season which comes in as many colors as the rainbow flag itself. On the local front their are the usual moves being brought to the table such as Mr. & Miss Pride.  Alright here's a pop quiz, "can you name last year's Mr & Miss Pride? O.K. maybe you can, but as the weeks details firm up, we will continue bringing you our special brand of news, links, updates and more of what you've been asking for. Keep it locked and loaded to COP 24/7 for the latest.

ALL Hail Queen
Latifah Comes OUT....Sorta

Well tongues are wagging and have been for some time as gaydars have been in overdrive about Queen Latifahs allegedly "coming out" show during the Long Beach Pride festival a couple of weeks ago. I've read the reports and did all manner of parsing exactly "what did she say" and "what did folks think they  heard" and I"m not sure if Latifahs actually came out or inched closer to "outing" herself. According to news accounts the award winning star seem to say something about "my people and conquer hate with love" during her concert appearance. The Inquistor covered the event with comment from
Co-President of the festival stating that, Pat Crosby could barely contain her excitement, saying, “From hip to R&B, pop to standards, Queen Latifah is the voice of our generation, and her concert here will be phenomenal, for her to make her worldwide Pride debut here in Long Beach is a tremendous testament to the popularity of our celebration and to the strength of our community.” I've don't spend much time trying to figure out "who is and who ain't" gay personally but obviously there are those who spend much time in hot pursuit of subjects to present front and center for all the world to know. The coming out process is so personal and has to done at the discretion of the individual that I don't why popular culture is so obsessed with knowing. I agree that role models are necessary but I can wait till whomever decides whenever to share that info. Nothing changed for me when Ricky Martin decided to tell us about his "bon-bon" or did I do a face slap when Clay Ackins mused on about his decision nor was I wowed when Wanda Sykes announced her love for french kisses from her French born wife. All I need is the list of who is not gay so that I can move on with being concerned about world peace.

Meanwhile, this informal announcement comes off the heels of her rumored relationship with a choreographer. Doesn't everyone have a choreographer or manager that's secretly their love interest? In the past Latifah maintained a long term relationship with the president of Hollywood Trainer, Jeanette Jenkins. The two split ways in 2011. If you need more and maybe some of you do, then here's a link to fill that need.

Read more at http://www.inquisitr.com/241849/queen-latifah-comes-out-at-pride-parade/#4kk3WzKd8D8UjhrH.99

The 9th Annual Conway Pride Parade & Festival

Sunday June 3, 2012
Sponsored by John Schenck and Robert Loyd
Line up is at 1 pm at the Pink House, 1605 Robinson, Conway
Parade begins at 2 pm. Prize for best float
Festival with vendors and entertainers will be at Simon Park after the parade
Vendor slots still available: Conwaypride@yahoo.com

COP 24/7 Announces

 

This forum is always moving and grooving in some fashion or another. Therefore when we get involved in certain projects or events I just love to share it. Well, let's just say that we've got some big news to share but you'll have to stay tuned just a bit. COP 24/7 is all about community building and outreach. Its been that way since our inception some six years ago when I came to the digital world to share my world view and then some. Since that time, I've been about it and will do what I can to keep putting it out their until I'm over it. Therefore, watch this forum for that breaking news.!!

Tuesday Talk Talk

deepsouth: Lenses Focus on HIV Struggle in South

As the Little Rock Film Festival takes flight, Its unfortunate that many dynamic lavender centric films don't get a nod or perhaps even a significant look at for consideration. Of course no film festival programs stuff that they can't discern that theirs an audience interested in the subject matter. Recently the film "Pariah" blinked through some screenings and despite efforts to promote its presence most folks that I asked about it had that "WTF" look on their face. At one time in the recent past, there was even a bold attempt to have a "Little Rock Gay Film Festival" which ebbed and flowed into obscurity. In case you didn't know this, again we've had many attempts at so many events and programming that were "one hit wonders," and then went dormant. Its almost a given here in the city and its one of the reasons that such angst and contempt exist when attempts to organize anything gets a lackluster response. After awhile one begins to wonder "why bother?" Amazingly enough many in the LGBTQ set will see a Madea mash up but can't seem find the time to support a gay centric local film festival or a possible book club. Before its demise, I had the chance to attend some of those screenings which did offer a variety of interesting films on both erotic and exotic topics. But as usual the effort suffered from poor participation among all the other Five P's that I've mentioned as event killers. In the meantime, if you are not a Netflix subscriber, RedBox maven or partake in the dastardly "Bootleg" trade, there are some great films still available including the upcoming "deepsouth" being release in July. The films website is wonderfully haunting with a fresh spin on film websites as far as I'm concern. It's extremely arty and entices visitors to stay awhile and click through on many of its "frames" that lead you other info about the film. Directed by Lisa Biagiotti the film explores the lives of southerners intersected by a broken health care system that continues to deal with the health dilemma of HIV and AIDS. I've had a little trouble with the term "deepsouth" since Arkansas continues to be excluded from the region on numerous levels. Even when it comes to Federal funding, this state is seen as "Mid-South or even for some reason, "Southwest," which leaves me scratching my head. The very term itself also could evoke many emotions and reactions from those whom may consider the historical elements of its use to the modern twist that the filmmakers have pursued. I'm sort of conflicted on its usage but I'm intrigued with the premise that the term "deepsouth" is being deconstructed for a closer look at those directly affected by both living geographically and mentally within the region. I've actually run across a few of the folks who are in the film while traveling to conferences and such. The subjects are followed through their various daily rituals and survival tactics as they face the critical facts of living within three decades of the chronic disease. If you get a chance to check out the site (www.deepsouthfilm.com ) by all means do so. Although this film would have been too late for the local film fest, that doesn't mean that there were not others that could have made the cut. What the hell, this community can do films if we really want to. But then again, we could do almost anything if we really wanted to, however you've got to really want it. Here's a excerpt from the website and the trailer.

One word, lower­case.

"Deep South" is a familiar term, but deepsouth expresses this geogr­aphical, cultural term diffe­rently. And that’s how we’re looking the tired, familiar issue of HIV.

The curious spelling and layering are meant to convey the film’s compl­exity.

We consi­dered Deep South, but that sounded too Gone with the Wind, or like a Ken Burns 10-part series on the Civil War.

My friend Deanne Torbert Dunning suggested deepSouth because the spelling and punct­uation trigger the brain to explore the expanse of its meaning. There’s a depth of life in this place that most of us are so unaware of. The film is about an envir­onment that produces high rates of HIV infec­tion, among other problems.

We looked up words that began with deep...like deepw­ater, deepness, deepen.

The lowercase “d” takes the edge off of the boldness and epic abstr­actness of Deep South, making it more personal, more familiar, more new (in our text gener­ation), more sexual.

So, there it is. If it worked for e.e. cummings, it’ll work for deepsouth.

Memorial Monday 2012

Memorial Day 2012 weekend has truly fired on all cylinders and pistons as far as I'm concern. Of course the day was filled with the traditional recognition and respectful ceremonies in honor of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. The issue of war as well as all that comes with it can be debated and discussed from numerous perspectives. Attempting to figure out the "why" or "what" concerning when decisions are made about taking a country to war can be  mind boggling. At is core, we are told that its all about "our way of life." Its about "freedom" and our homeland which we must uphold while seeking to maintain some type of  world order. For myself, its the "Fog of War" that continues to perplex myself, where it seems that what we thought was truth turns out not to be factual or imperfect data that is problematic in processing. President Obama has moved to end the Middle East theatre while maintaining a Afghanistan presence yet adding to the "Kill List" of suspected terrorist that are deemed offensive to our senses. His speech was Commander in Chief pitch perfect as he addressed the challenges that the Vietnam war presented to our country and its lasting affects that to this day are as fresh as they were some five decades ago. We were reminded that the price of war can be high in both lives and treasure. Therefore as the day fills its purpose, we as a nation move on into the night remembering those who have served and welcome those home with a hearty "thanks for your service" who survived the task. Amen  

COP 24/7 Rolling with the Boomers

CDC Invites Public Comment on Draft Recommendations for One-Time Hepatitis C Testing for Baby Boomers

 

By John W. Ward, M.D., Director, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC

Dr. John Ward

CDC has released draft recommendations proposing that all Americans born from 1945 through 1965 (“baby boomers”) get a one-time test for the hepatitis C virus. In the United States, hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplants and liver cancer, which is the fastest-rising cause of cancer-related deaths in the nation. More than 2 million U.S. baby boomers are infected with hepatitis C, accounting for more than 75 percent of all American adults living with the virus. Baby boomers are five times more likely to be infected than other adults. Most of them, though, do not know that they have the virus because hepatitis C can damage the liver for many years without noticeable symptoms. More than 15,000 Americans—mostly baby boomers—die each year from hepatitis C-related illness, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, and deaths have been increasing steadily for over a decade.
CDC estimates one-time hepatitis C testing of baby boomers could identify more than 800,000 additional people with hepatitis C and save more than 120,000 lives. CDC believes the expanded screening efforts are needed to increase the proportion of persons with hepatitis C who are diagnosed, and referred to care to slow or halt progression of the disease and avoid transmission to others. New treatments are now available that can cure up to 75% of infections, and even more promising treatments are expected in the near future. CDC believes that expanded screening efforts can prevent thousands of unnecessary deaths from hepatitis C.

CDC’s new recommendations augment current hepatitis C testing guidelines that call for testing individuals with a known risk for the disease. Studies have found that most persons do not perceive themselves to be at risk and are not screened. CDC’s recommendations propose that a one-time blood test for hepatitis C should become a standard part of medical care for all persons born from 1945 through 1965.

In a May 22, 2012 Federal Register Notice, CDC formally invited public comment on this draft recommendation. We encourage you to review and comment on these important proposed recommendations which will be available for public comment through June 8 on www.regulations.gov, docket number CDC-2012-0005. Public comment will be used to inform the final recommendations, which will be finalized later this year.

For more information, see this factsheet (PDF 374KB) on the proposed testing recommendations.

Intergenerational Health & Wellness Activities!

Learn how community leaders are encouraging their members of every age to join in physical activities, create community gardens and participate in other intergenerational programs that contribute to the health and wellness of the places they live, worship or play together! Share your ideas and your community's experiences in bringing people of all ages together!

Date: Wednesday, May 30^th, 2012
Time: 2:00 PM Eastern, 1:00 PM Central, 12:00 PM Mountain, 11:00 AM Pacific

Click here to reserve your Webinar seat for this Let’s Move Faith and Communities call.

Join us for our next Let's Move Faith and Communities call to learn more about hosting intergenerational health and wellness activities in your community! May is Older Americans Month and the theme for 2012 is Never Too Old to Play, which encourages older Americans to stay engaged, active and involved in their communities. We'll have several guest speakers join us to share ideas about how to integrate older generations more actively into wellness leadership and community activities around exercise and nutrition.

Next Week in Motion

WOW! What a weekend and then some. If you missed out on all that was going on, then you don't have an excuse to say that you "don't have nothing  to do in this city."  It was fast and furious by any standards which those who were participating or in attendance must have felt. COP 24/7 is always glad to see all of your faces in the places around town, but it appears that there's still room for folks to make the rounds of the local haunts. As we've made a point of stating, if we don't turn out, then there's a possibility that such places will not be there when we need them. If the local watering holes are not your fancy don't forget that there are often many charity events or other socially consciousness endeavors that may more to your liking. No matter what, it doesn't hurt to bring your mug front and center. If you catch me out and about, holla....In the meantime let's do a run through!


Strilite Kicks Some R & R

The emerging peer consumer driven group, STRILITE, kicked it Friday night ( 5/18) as they wined down from several weeks of training sessions and assorted meetings. The group has burst on the scene as apart of prevention programming of The Living Affected Corporation which has served as the "incubator" mothership of the same gender loving organization. The gents decided it was time to go "R & R" an invited supporters, allies, friends and volunteers to an impromptu pre- Memorial Day back yard BBQ at the McLaughlin & Mabin homestead in southwest Little Rock. Throughout the evening, guest noshed on assorted smoked and grilled meats, baked beans, cole slaw, nacho casserole and sauteed vegetables. As the evening progressed, music filled the air as well as the groups own micro-version of  American Idol" as participants sang Capella to their favorite tunes. Guest concluded the evening with celebratory toast the new organization and the its vision to aggressively address social determinants in relation to HIV and AIDS in central Arkansas. Afterward guest decided to finalize the evening with Club Triniti and points beyond. COP 24/7 will keep looking for more from STRILITE on its ever present radar and periscope. We congratulate them on their organizing and expect to hear more about their local efforts.


Simply Red 2012

The Simply Red event held last weekend was an interesting mix of faces and facades as local gathered to celebrate the work and programs of the Arkansas AIDS Foundation. The event kicked off  at the Rivermarket's Dizzy's Bistro which was busy with activity from volunteers, organizers and restaurant personnel. Thanks to the graciousness of the foundation, I found myself and mine in the company of my colleague D. Levi and her significant other, S. T.  We shared the evening al fresco, while we were treated to a family style menu of Italian Bolenaise and Chicken Al Fredo accompanied by toasted bruchesta after beginning with a fresh field greens nicely dressed with Balsamic Vinaigrette. Even though I was a bit off put at the procedure of the serving, each of us adjusted as we learned that the entree "bowls" were supposedly to be shared with a partner table. I found this a bit awkward especially serving a table of "four" from a portioned bowl that in my opinion only really served four. However, as the great conversations and people watching took precedence, none it really matter. There was a show featuring area entertainers including the Zia D'Yor, MGAA and Keaton Zane Paige, Mr. Gay Arkansas US of A 2011 (pictured) plus many other talented individuals dressed for the occasion and showing their support. The silent auction had an array of interesting items and some great buys that seemed to be making their way from the tables. At this post time, finally tallies on the amounts raised for the their programming were available. It was great diversion to something different before I saw many attendees doing the town at 610 and Miss Kittys. Congrats to AAF, organizers, volunteers and a special shout out to D. Tucker for sharing the love. Check Facebook for many posted pictures of the event.

Sucking Head and Eating Tail

Ah-Yee'! Wasn't heard as much as it should have been at Sunday's Annual Craw fish Boil held at the 7th Street Corridor venue, MK's. Although their was plenty of fixin's, food and foam, I couldn't tell if there were many takers during the evening event held Sunday (5/20). The area was set up for a feast, but it seemed to me that, even as me and mine was fashionably late, some folks again didn't get the memo. Of course, of those who were in attendance, I had seen not once, not twice but at least three times during the weekend at most of the events. Has Little Rock gotten so out of the circuit that only a few folks have the stamina or determination to participate in these events. I kept thinking for goodness sake, in the past this event was well attended and usually a pre-summer highlight. Even though I don't necessarily indulge in the main entree, there was also some good sausage, potatoes, and corn that had a sumptuous aroma filling the air. I don't know what to make of the lackluster turn out these days but I see it as problematic to continue to plan functions and get "so-so" interest. Why bother offering anything special, even though I keep hearing that grating mantra of "why don't we have this or that," from many folks whom I don't see at any of the offerings planned. Just what the hell is it that folks are looking for or wanting to do?  Do I have the answer, I 'm not sure. Does this get my attention, you betcha. Especially as COP 24/7 is at the center of working with the Little Rock host committee on next years NABWMT diversity convention slated for this city.  Of course, that event will have its own programming which will be open to the public, but I would hope that as that event steps off, July 24-28, 2013, all locals will be ready to welcome guest from coast to coast. As was done during the Midland Regional in 2011, our legendary Welcome to Little Rock reception will set the tone and momentum of the event. In case you missed it, we've already got a reputation of "welcoming and friendliness" that has been set. So, its all about "represent" that will be needed as we prepare to bring this convention to Little Rock for the first time in its history. Currently planning meetings are starting to take place and everyone is invited to get in on making it a happening and memorable mash-up in the city. If you are interested in being apart of this special event, hit us up at nealix101@comcast.net  We've got big plans and we want everyone to help make it happen!!  We are looking for in-kind gifts, sponsorships, partners and collaborators. Let's show the big girls that we are something to be reckond with!

TRIBUTE to the Legacy

The Musical Crayons of Donna Summer

I had another one of those moments where I had to hit the life pause button and remember that each and every day is precious because we are only promised so few of them. The sudden passing of Donna Summer caught everyone by surprise and as many of you, I too lived and loved her soaring as well as sultry voice that was another musical backdrop to my journey's soundtrack. As I searched the files of my memory on what life was serving me during that time, it was her freeing and music in motion lift that often left me breathless. But despite all the trappings of being the "Disco Queen," what should be made clear is the fact that Summer was a bonafide artist, composer, lyricist and above all a great singer. Although know for propelling this disco beat, she had lots of music that crossed many boundaries. From inspirational which earned her a Grammy to her Nashville days still creating music, Donna Summer should not just be remembered for the fluff but also the anthems for working women, which she one stated was based on her observation of a hotel housekeeper whom saw "working hard for the money." For myself I always likened her "State of Independence" cut as a funky cosmic nod to the cause of global human equality and even her Christmas CD is one of the most played in my house during the holiday season. It seemed to me that her music always included a keen eye on the pulse of what was going on around her personally and professionally. I sensed it, embraced it and damn near practically lived by her siren call as many around did as well on Saturday nights when I embodied being on "Sunset" or the toot, toot, beep, beep of the "Bad Girl" mantra. Unfortunately I never got to see Summer in concert except those wonderful video or her appearances on the breakthrough musical showcase the Midnight Special.  Long live Donna Summer and rest in peace. Your musical legacy has been firmly established and it will forever be playing somewhere in the back of mind and most likely many others.

Thursday Flier Edition

COP 24/7 is always on the hunt for collaborations and partnerships with content producers from around the world. Yes around the world!  As I've been producing this effort over the last five years or so, I've had the good luck to cross paths with so many wonderfully talented folks from all angles. When I started this effort, I really had no idea what I was doing., I simply wanted to try this new thing called "blogging" because I kept thinking, "what the hell is blogging?" Viola! After some 100,000 words I can honestly say that I now know what the hell blogging is and can become in one's life. Afterall, I rapidly approaching that Blog 900 level Yes that's right, 900 of them bitches and counting. With all that under my belt and riding that learning curve to new heights, COP 24/7 continues to be a beacon for some and bemoaned by others who don't want to find themselves "Topic A" of this platform. Nevertheless, our sole purpose has been to follow three three pillars of our mission, "educate, inform and empower." I've been hell bent on providing this zone as a interactive and open source for dialog. Critics aside, COP 24/7 unwittingly forged its own path to offer a communication portal that directly serves the LGBTQ community and beyond. Even though our "take no prisoners" approach often rubs some individuals raw, our talking out loud and calling it as I see is my hallmark and I stand by it. Therefore, COP 24/7 churns onward and upward with bringing our unique brand of news, views, links and discovery of great content from across the web. One such contributors is National Association of Black and White Men Together media winner Herndon Davis who is a multi-media producer. He's kicking it with videos, composing articles and all manner of communicating with his public. This current video appears courtesy of YouTube and it features Guiding Light actress Tina Sloan and her latest project of a one woman show, "Changing Shoes." Its a great interview and Sloan offers some interesting insights into careers, life and loving your self. This could be a great show that should stop through our area. Anybody got any ideas of how to make this happen? Well at least think about it. Thanks Herndon and look for more his dynamic work here at COP 24/7!