LIFE ON THE INSIDE: 6th Edition(The FollowUp)
written Monday April 21st, 2008 I got some good news today... I felt it would be not only irresponsible, but downright foolish if I didn't share this quickly. About 6 weeks after beginning to take HIV medication, last Tuesday, I went for a check-up with my doctor to get labs(bloodwork)...
LIFE ON THE INSIDE: 5th Edition...
(Originally written on Sunday, March 16th) One Week ago, yet another chapter was started in the novel that is my life. Another layer revealed and forced to deal with. Last Sunday morning, March 9th at 12:42AM, I started taking HIV medication. It was something that for the last 3.5 years...
LIFE ON THE INSIDE: 4th Edition...
"He's preparing me for something I can not handle right, He's provided me with what I need to carry out the next matter in my life. God is preparing me!" It was Friday, Dec 3rd 2004 approximately two o'clock pm when I received a phone call from my doctor. He...
LIFE ON THE INSIDE: 3rd Edition...
This month's Life On The Inside submission comes from our "4th Brave Soul Founder"... I refer to him as such because from the time I've met him, he has been actively involved not only in Brave Soul performance events but also in the planning, development, and structure of BSC. KeithRomell...
LIFE ON THE INSIDE: 2nd Edition...
The following is a deeply personal testimonial from a young brother by the name of Antron-Reshaud Brown who is a newfound 'Brave Soul' out of Atlanta. We'd like to personally thank him for sharing his work, and his story. Writing My Way through It Traveling Desert I couldn't bring everyone...
LIFE ON THE INSIDE: 1st Edition...
What you are about to read is a personal testimonial from playwright, director, and artist Alan Sharpe, founder of African American Collective Theatre (A-ACT) in Washington, DC. Alan graciously volunteered to be the first of what we hope will be many individuals who will share stories about their experiences living...
(soundtrack: Adeva's "Thank You") not running from, but running to not lost, but simply rediscovering what it means to write and make beats somewhere between reckless abandon and purposeful intent ponder melodious cacophony, whatever order of things that chaos brings like the way that disaster cleanses feet toughened from the...
Brave Souls UNPLUGGED: Chicago Cast Bios
baron. Born December 7, 1978, is a Man by maturity, an Artist by heart, and a Poet from experience. Growing up with his grandmother in Newark, NJ, baron.'s life has been filled with obstacles and circumstances. The loss of his uncle and mentor in 1995 prompted baron. to pursue his...
Brave Soul Collective in POZ Magazine
Be sure to check out Brave Soul Collective in the latest issue of POZ Magazine (See scan of article below)...
Tim'm took a moment to interview Steven G. Fullwood, founder of Vintage Entity Press and author of "Funny," a critically acclaimed work of essays and social commentary about being black and gay and all things associated, and beyond. "Loosely described as 'part memoir, part satire, and completely self-revelatory, 'FUNNY makes...
My objective is to express. I wouldn't say I'm trying to change mainstream perceptions. People who are irreversible homophobes will be stubborn to their delusions until they die. These are the same people who'll vow that my rap group DDC isn't really "gay" because some of us have had (or...
There's something to be said for individuals who make the choice to open up, to tell their truth completely. Whether in music, literature, poetry, or even in portrayal of a character in theatre, television or film, there is dual benefit. The artist bearing their soul is liberated, healed, and justified...
EXCLUSIVE: Brave Soul Spotlight on Craig Stewart
What you are about to read is a personal testimony from a same gender loving brother who is an inspiration to any of us who have a dream and have the faith, focus, and determination to see it manifest. Craig Stewart is an entrepreneur, and playwright whose play, "A DAY...
The 2007 National African American MSM Conference on HIV/AIDS (January 25th -28th) in Charlotte, NC proved to be a success and served not only as a platform to discuss the issues most relevant to us as black gay men, but also as a homecoming of sorts. It felt comfortable...
Soaring to the Heights of My Endless Possibilities
We all face different challenges in life, some good and some bad. Often times we might ask ourselves, "Why did this have to happen to me, and why do I have to struggle?" People some time endure the pain of unforgiving heart ache. How we bounce back from these...
we came to hills where cometh our strength, riding the wave of whatever change was awaiting permission to be sparked. we brought our burdens there: full hearts and blues boxes with songs from the key of life and salt. we came committed to be the change we dream: living...
I STAND TALL BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED NOT DEFINED BY MY SEXUAL NATURE NOR BOUND BY MAN'S CONVENTIONAL IMAGINATIONS I AM BIGGER THAN WHAT U SEE, HUMAN, AUTHENTIC, AND UNIQUE NOT STRANGE, NOT PECULIAR, NOT WEIRD SO TAKE ME AS I AM BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED, NAKED AND BARE I REMOVE MY MASK AND...
Life with Heidi, a Reflection on our Anniversary It is hard to believe that today is a few days past the year marking the beginning of our anniversaries. Hard to believe that this time last year I was dealing with the idea and the shock of your presence; the announcement...
First Flight (for Rickey Williams)
on monday he took first flight leapt to his death face cutting air arms surrendering like the tears i'd wiped goodbye many times before he fell as if meant to fly no confidence in wings and some of us knew he was an angel but he didn't believe us...
I am a 30-year grown ass man. Therefore, I take responsibility for all of my actions - including from when I was a kid. I cannot justify the "bad" decisions that I've made, I can only identify them, own them, and then choose something different for the next opportunity that...
(dedicated to Monte J Wolfe) A few years ago Not So Long Ago, God Sent Down To Me An Angel On Earth To Watch Over And Protect Me As If I Belonged To Him From Birth A Guardian, And A Friend A Mother, A Father A Brother, A Sister All...
we are not all lurking trembling between DL hell and picture perfect projections of wifey and kids shivering between night knights at twilight and forgetting ourselves and our Crixivan inside of somebody we are not all dishonest especially with ourselves and many of us tell the truth about ourselves even...
Brave Soul Artist: Heidi Martin
In February 2007, I attended The Front Porch, a monthly open mic/artist showcase produced by Brave Soul co-founder Tim'm West. On this particular night, one of the featured artists was a woman who Tim'm himself had told me was someone I would wind up not only appreciating, but LOVING....
This month, in honor of Women's History Month, we've decided to feature a woman who not only entertains and inspires, but makes millions of people laugh through her work as a multi-faceted artist. Recently, Brave Soul artist keithromell (who is also an associate editor for Positively Aware, an HIV...
Brave Soul Artist: Rodney Lofton
Our Brave Soul Artist for February is a man whose travels both personally and professionally have led him literally back to himself. Rodney Lofton is a writer, HIV/AIDS activist, and author whose journey has been detailed in his memoir entitled, The Day I Stopped Being Pretty. Lofton was born...
Brave Soul Artist: Ra-Re Valverde
"..Normality don't exist for me...Mostly I live on the other side....Fine with me. I'm cream filled with such complexity. See love in unordinary things... ....I'm right where I am supposed to be... steady and my mind is clear...why can't you understand that I am who i am...won't let you...
Brave Soul Artist: Frederick Smith
Our December Brave Soul Artist is dynamic writer whose work not only entertains, but propels readers to think and FEEL something. Frederick Smith, originally from Detroit, Michigan, is a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism and Loyola University Chicago. A finalist for the 2004 PEN Center Emerging Voices...
Brave Soul Artist: Maurice Jamal
This month's Brave Soul Artist is an extremely talented young man by the name of Maurice Jamal. He is a DIRECTOR-WRITER-PRODUCER, who's groundbreaking work can be seen in both film and television. He is the creative mind behind the landmark film THE SKI TRIP (MTV's LOGO Network). His second...
Brave Soul Artist: Janelle Monáe
Our Brave Soul artist for the months of July & August is a young woman whose work as an artist is nothing short of amazing. She is far too talented to put into a box as just being a 'singer' or 'vocalist'. I won't include an official bio here...
Brave Soul Artist: Michael-Christopher
In honor of May being a kickoff of sorts in terms of Black [Gay] Pride celebrations that take place over the summer months, we've decided to feature Michael-Christopher, who has been an active voice in the black lesbian and gay community for over a decade as an author, illustrator,...
Our subject for April's Brave Soul Artist feature is a dynamic young woman whose approach is not powerful or pop-polished, but rich, mature, and effortless. She's also a great songwriter, and has a knack for coming up with odd but catchy lines. Her songs not only make you think...
Brave Soul Artist: Queen Aishah
Our Brave Soul Artist for March is a woman who is a very close friend of mine, and lifetime Brave Soul family member. Comedienne Queen Aishah is not only a funny ass woman, but a warm, loving spirit who is committed to... "TOUCHING AND HEALING SOULS THROUGH THE ART...
Brave Soul Artist: Eric Roberson
Our Brave Soul Artist for February is an innovator and most definitely personifies what it means to be a 'brave soul'. Blue Erro Soul vocalist, songwriter, producer, and CEO Eric Roberson aka "Erro" is known for his insightful lyrics and soothing vocals. His ballads are always delectable, and he...
Brave Soul Artist: Briian Dargon
Our premiere Brave Soul Artist feature for 2007 and the month of January is a young man who is living life on his own terms as an artist. Briian Dargon, designer and creator of BSIXTEE6 [B 66 for those who don't get it..lol] is a talented, creative individual whose...
Brave Soul Artist: Ashley Phillips
Our Brave Soul Artist for the month of December is a young lady who is truly in a league of her own. Hers is a name you will want to remember: Ashley Phillips. Tim'm and I first had the opportunity to meet Ashley in late October of this year...
Brave Soul Artist: Sheryl Lee Ralph
Our Brave Soul Artist Feature for October is not only a Broadway legend, television & film star, but a humanitarian in her own right. You know, for me truth is everything on a certain level. I've modeled my career by doing the roles that I felt my family could...
This month, we at Brave Soul Collective decided to highlight a brilliant brother whose literary works have firmly established him as one of today's most talented black gay authors. Hayes first novel "Passion Marks" tackled domestic violence within gay relationships, an issue which is rarely, if ever discussed. However,...
Brave Soul Artist: Patrik-Ian Polk
Photo by Anthony Nouri CaravanFor the month of August, we decided to spotlight the incredibly talented artist, Patrik-Ian Polk. About a month into BSC's premiere, we contacted Patrik to let him know about the BSC website, the organization and our mission. After checking out the site, Patrik quickly responded...
Brave Soul Artist: Frenchie Davis
Photo by Stan SchaferWhen we were trying to determine who our next Brave Soul Artist Feature would be, Frenchie was a no-brainer. She has a personal connection and relationship with Monte, since the two of them were friends and classmates at Howard University, where they both were students of...
Brave Soul Artist: Lalah Hathaway
Our premiere Brave Soul Featured Artist is a woman who personifies what it means to be an artist. Music is in her genes, as she is the eldest daughter of the legendary and beloved soul singer, songwriter, & composer, Donny Hathaway. As raised by Donny and their mother, Eulaulah,...