Bumblebee

The bumblebee is a force to be reckon with.

Black + Yellow = caution.

Now you see me,

now you don't.

Do you want to continue to be hidden?

To not be heard or understood?

How are people going to understand you if you keep quiet?

Express yourself, I'm all ears.

Tell me your story, open your heart.

Silence = Death

TB

TB might be a term for Tuberculosis, but in Nigeria...


It's a term gay men describe each other, Top/Bottom.


If you are gay, you're a TB.


I was discussing this with my friend in Nigeria, telling him, "You know, TB in English means Tuberculosis, it's a bacterial infection in the lungs; a medical term."


He said, "Oh."


I told him that I'd rather call it men loving men, because that's really what it is.  It's beyond the bedroom, it's beyond what position you prefer yourself in (it wouldn't do versatiles any justice either).  You may be top, or bottom, or femme, or whatever, you're still a man and it's nothing to be ashamed of or set aside.


But hey, if it's a cool localized term and it's meant to make us feel welcomed.  Go ahead, call me a TB.  But you'll be surprised that I'll do more than that inside and outside of the bedroom.

Happy Valentine's Day

Life is Like a Box of Chocolates...

There's a guide and description for each piece,

and its up to you to decide which piece to eat.

Today, you're getting a whole box.

Every flavor, texture, and shape is there

all ready to melt in your mouth

and satisfy you.

And after you savor each piece,

swallowed every cream filling.

Don't forget to rinse!

Damn, where's MY box of chocolate---orgy?

Juice

My good thoughts of you:

fresh-squeezed brain juice.

A tall glass

full of nutrients for your soul.

Waking up next to you,

as soon as my eyes open

the juicer is on.

But if I'm alone,

I'll make a concentrate.

Keep it safely stored

got a nice pitcher full when you return.

Favors

Where to draw the line?


As much as I would like to help you, brother.
As much as I hate to see you being down.


There is a line where you need to stop and think if whatever trouble you're in, you're in because of your miscalculations.


If you keep asking for rides because you don't have any money for public transport, or all your friends are busy, then do YOURself a favor and start asking yourself why weren't you ready before you step out the door? When was the last time you've done favors for your friends?


I don't owe you anything, and I do favors because I care for you. But one day, that care jar will empty if you don't refill it with your care for me.


If you want me to rush over because it's an emergency, I would. But just like the boy who cried wolf, it better be an emergency.


And if you need help helping yourself think, need help being a better person, I'm here. 
I don't want to be the quick solution, especially if I care for you, I want you to think things right so you can use the panic button wisely.
Because who knows, I might need help in the future and I'll need a capable hand.

Joseph Beam Quote

Black men loving Black men is a call to action, an acknowledgement of responsibility. We take care of our own kind when the night grows cold and silent. These days the nights are cold-blooded and the silence echoes with complicity.

-Joseph Beam "Brother to Brother: Words from the Heart"

I am not the center in my circle of black gay friends.

I encourage them to care for and nurture each other.

Because there is not enough support between black gay men. 

Because when one is down, he should know who and where to run to: someone familiar, someone that he can call his brother from his heart.

Because we are all a part of the community and to be shunned away is one of the biggest abominations that could happen.

Because when one falls, we all fall harder.

I want to serve as a reminder, a friendly nudge.

Next time you roll yours eyes or turn your head away from a brother, ask yourself, do you AND do WE deserve to be treated this way?