5 Things Folks say to me when They meet Me

1. You're really nice.
2. I thought you would be taller.
3. Is your hair heavy?
4. Are those your real eyes?
5. How do you blog all the time? Do you work?

There are others, but these are my favorite ones.

My Life: The Bathroom

The other day, I was in the bathroom stall at the gym. Suddenly, 'Jump' from the Pointer Sisters came on and I started tapping my foot to the song.

As I reached for the tissue, I noticed a cock poking out from under the stall.

I was SHOCKED! I couldn't believe it, but then it hit me... Foot tapping is a code for understall play. I kindly told him that I was not interested and he had a cute cock. Then, I told him to be careful about hooking up in bathrooms.

I hope he listened.

My Life: When Bank of America called...

My bank called about some suspicious activity on my card.

The agent listed charges from 7 For All Mankind, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Dairy Queen and J. Crew.

I told her those charges were from me and asked what was the trigger.

 She said the charge from Dairy Queen... I almost hung up the phone.

My Pride Story

Back in 2004, I marched in the NYC Pride parade. I was a part of the students and staff of Cornell group, there were about 20 of us at the time. Several them wanted to carry signs to express how they were out and proud. I wanted to do something different.

At the time, the media was all over the whole 'DL' thing. JL King went on Oprah and started a firestorm about Black Gay men being on the down low. After that mess, it felt like there was a target on our backs. So, I thought, "Why not change the message?" The night before the march, my best friend and I decided we would carry signs that said: NO DOWN LOW HERE and PROUD BLACK MAN. We were convinced it was the best thing we could do to send a new message out there.

The next day, we were set and ready to go. We took our signs and headed down the avenue. When we were marching, I remember seeing the faces of the Black men in the crowd. They were cheering and supporting us all the way. I was overflowed with so much emotion that it felt like I was flying. My friend was also on a cloud as well.

What we were doing had a powerful effect. Seeing the Black LGBT fam giving us so much love, truly inspired me. In fact, I think it was in that moment I knew I had to do more for our community.
Marching in that parade, made me realized what Pride was all about. It also made me very aware of the job I had to do.

So, at NYC Pride 2004... I became an activist and it's been one hell of a ride.

Me, sometimes

I feel like this at least once a week

So What's going on, Peeps?

Hi all,

How are y'all doing? Just wanted to check in see how things are going in your lives?

Me, I'm tired. I've been traveling a lot and trying to catch up at work. I'm not taking classes this summer, but I'm working on 2 scripts. One's a pilot about college administrators and the other is a film about an old high school crush.

My graphic novel, Strange Lore is still coming along. I'm in awe of the artists drawing my characters. My book artist Kelvin will start working on the pages this weekend, I can't wait to see how he brings the story to life.

Love life is good and in all, things couldn't be better. I just need to take a breather.

Me circa 2005

Bougie, but ghetto at heart

Slightly buzzed

Over whatever party I was attending

Gay Male Writer Life Problems

I'm in a dilemma, y'all. For a couple of years, I've been thinking about going back for a 2nd masters for Writing for TV/Film. However, my former professor and writer John August said that grad school in Cinema is not necessary.

Both of them said the Writing program is a chance to focus on your writing and get some scripts under your belt. Well, I've already done that through my summer classes. I've wrote 1 film, 2 TV pilots, 4 shorts and 1 short film. I have some contacts and access to film equipment too. So, I think I'm somewhat ready.

Last week, I talked to one of my old professors about school. He told me that I should just go for it. He said that grad school's an excuse for writers to stall, but the best education is actually getting out there. I asked him if I was ready and he said, "No one is truly ready, you just have to make it happen."

Fast Forward a couple of days later. I (randomly) ran into an old classmate, Dedi, who was taking a couple classes at UCLA. Dedi decided to just take classes and avoid grad school. Her classes were helping her fine tune her craft and her classmates were awesome. She also told me to get out there and join her in this scary journey.

After that run-in, I was all over the place. I realized I have the tools, I have the skills and... I'm stalling. I mean, I will still take classes, but I have to get my pretty ass out there. I know a few folks and I'm a good persuader, so I need to do this. I know I need to and what better way to learn the business, right?

I'm going to put myself out there and do it. I have to, I got to.

So, here it goes. The game begins.

10 Random Facts about Me

1. To unwind on Mondays, I watch Intervention, Hoarders and RuPaul's Drag Race.
2. Once I found out that Rock & Republic jeans went bankrupt, I sold my R & R jeans to a used clothing store.
3. I was raised to be better than everyone else. The idea was to make me a stronger person in the world. (Bless my Grandmama for her odd beliefs)
4. I may act poised and proper, but if pushed, I will get 'gutter'. Meaning, if somebody cross me; I will run them down in my car.
5. I really like rough and worn looking men. It all started with my crush on my Grandmama's lawn mower. He was so hot.
6. I wish I could meet more of my Blogger buddies.
7. I'm bougie.
8. I never thought I would be this lucky in life and love.
9. I'll try anything sexually... Well, not piss, open relationships, scat and fisting.
10. I'm a fashion Hoarder. I once had a closet just for jeans.

Wannabe Writer Update

Moving forward with the writing stuff, I have a few updates.

• I finished my short film script called "Fall Break". It's about two gay students' first date going awry when demons attack their campus. It was fun to write, but I couldn't decide on the ending, so there are two of them.

• I'm going to launch a website for my (Hope To Be) series, "Shadow Boy". It was originally a movie script, but now, it's a series. The site will be open for folks to read the script and give me feedback. All I need is a good artist to draw some of the characters.

• I will find out if I got into the Graduate program in the USC Cinema School next month. I'm crossing the Hell out of my fingers.

•  A couple of friends and I will be filming one of my scripts called, "Boys' Night". It's about a father and son trying to make the best of a bad situation.

That's it for now.

Failed Life Goals

No. 56 - I never became a Solid Gold Dancer

What's Going on With Me

 Hi All,

me and the artist, Jezza Smilez

I thought it was time to share what's been going on with me.

• My friend, K, is doing fine in Florida. We are slowly talking again, but not like before. For those who don't know, I had to send my friend away so he could get help.
• I've been thinking about starting a blog for my scripts. I realized I have a few scripts that are ready to be seen. So, I may get it started in 2012.
• Still on a BENT-CON high. We did the damn thing and hosted one of the most talked about events in L.A. I'm so happy to be apart of this adventure. I worked with  a great team and had a great time.
• BENT-CON also woke up my creativity. After watching some 'interesting' short films. I start writing one of my own. The working title is called 'Date Night'. It's about 2 gay college guys having their first date during a demon attack on their campus.
• I decided to apply for another Master's at the USC Cinema School. For the past 3 years, I took summer classes to learn the ropes. Now, I think it's time to give it another go.
• After talking with the creator of the blog, Fanboys of the Universe, I decided to give 'Vampire Diaries' another chance. It's not so bad, but it ain't good either. But, I'm drawn to it.
• With all 99% protests, I feel bad planning my next LV purchase and our trip to Europe... Well, not that bad.
• I'm back on the weight thing. I'm healthy, but I want to be better at it. So I'm going to start running. I'm scared to death of looking crazy running in public. But if you seen some of fashion choices, I don't have that big of a problem looking crazy.
• I'm in love with 'Homeland' and 'Ringer'. Those are my favorite shows.
• I'm also planning to bring my mama here for a week. That may be the best/worst thing to do.

Flashback 1995-1998: Being an RA

When I became a RA (Resident Assistant), I was so happy. It was the best position for me at that time of my college life. I got to create programs like: "Are Stereotypes Real?"; "Coming Out in the Halls" and a floor movie night at the theater to see 'Showgirls'.

Many of my creative and professional skills were developed in this position and I got to take home an RA scholarship, Programmer of the Year and later, RA of the Year.

But some of my biggest rewards were my residents. I helped a good amount them get through some of the toughest times in their lives. And they taught me so much about life and how to find the best in people. Those 3 years were the best times of my life, and I am very fortunate to have been the 'dreaded floor manager'.

Things I Learned from Comic Books

Comic Books taught me a lot over the years. I learned how to use big words, fashion, and how to give a grand entrance with a long monologue. But I also learned how to be an effective and strong person.

So, here are a few examples of what I've learned that shaped me in my life.

 Sometimes you have to make TOUGH decisions.

 Sometimes you have to step aside and the better person lead.

 You will need to leave the past behind and move forward with an open heart and open mind.

You have to be honest about yourself... Sometimes to others

Summer Lovin': The Screenwriting Classes - The Finale

It's been about 3 weeks since classes ended and the grades are out. In my Dramatic TV Series class, I got an A-and in my (Advanced) Developing the Screenplay class, I got an A.

I will admit I was a little bothered with the A-, and yes, I'm one of those people.

But I should be happy, there were several folks in this class who didn't do so hot. But at least the professor liked and believed in my work. Now, the next step is applying to the Master's Program. I have the grades (3.94 to be exact) and the confidence.

I think I can do this.

It's Hard Out Here For a Geek

This is a night out at the LA bars...

So a friend and I went out last night to a couple of bars. He made out with 3 guys for the hell of it. But these 3 guys were best friends. One of them asked me if I thought it was hot and I said... "No, I couldn't make out with someone my best friend just made out with. That's a little tacky." He said I was uptight and bitter.

Later, we met a couple of guys who asked why I was out at a bar when I had a partner. I told them that my partner hates the bar scene. One of them told me I wasn't happy in my relationship, because no one in a relationship goes out without their partner.

A guy asked if he was doing me could he pull my hair.

Another guy said that I was high maintenance. I asked why and he said because, "I look too smart."

A daddy type guy said he would do me just to put me in my place. I ask him to elaborate on that statement. What is "my place"? He told me as his bitch. Oh well.

Then this guy told me I was too young to handle him. He needs a man, not a young man. I said, "Sweetie, I was sucking cock at 14, I think I'm old enough to handle any guy."

This is my night life in Los Angeles

Reconnecting with an Old Friend

While I was in Minneapolis, I had to a chance to reconnect with my first BF, Matt. We dated like 10 years ago (wow) and we still remained friends.

Matt is doing good in Minnie; he's the king of diversity education, in a gay baseball team and in a gay men's choir. He has achieved so much and I'm proud of him.

We had lunch, talked about our lives and futures. It was really good to see Matt after 6 years. And I was glad to know he has stayed on the up and up. He's such a great person.

The Different Sides of Me

Have you ever thought about the different parts of yourself? You know the gay side, the masculine side, the weak side and the dark side of you.

I actually sat down and wrote them out, so here they are:

• My 'Mommy' side - I'm usually the caregiver and the opinionated one of my friends. I give tough love to my pals and keep it real. I can be a bit harsh, but I do it out of love.
• My 'Whitley' side - I'm a former snob and a child from an upper middle class background; so my taste in clothes, eyeglasses, food and style is a bit bougie. It's not the best thing about me, but it's a part of me.
• My 'Guy' side - That only comes out in the gym. I kinda giggle at myself when this side comes through. But it fades when I'm on the treadmill, listening to disco.
• My 'Geeky' side - Well, I think y'all see this side through the blog.
• My 'Work' side - I can multitask like a mofo. Once I get into making charts, assessment or reports there's no stopping me.
• My 'Dark' side - When I get angry, it's serious. One example is when I had a hit and run, I tried to hunt down the guys that hit me. I had no idea what I would have done, I just know I wanted revenge. I might need to keep that in check.
• My, well 'Tremaine' side - This is my sexual side (Tremaine is my middle name). To be honest, this is a side I'm learning to be more comfortable with. My Southern upbringing has kept me from being a whore hound, but 7 years ago I explored my sexual side. Turns out, I'm open to different things but I'm still a prude at heart.
• My 'Big Mouth' side - I'm an extrovert. I love people and talking, so I can be the party boi.
• My 'Mule' side - I can be stubborn and set in my ways. I hate to be wrong about anything, but I'm a lot better than I was 10 years ago.

So that's me... How many sides do you have?

Me in 1988

To see this picture of me is a reminder of what used to be.

A pure dreamer
Sad
Overly optimistic
A person who thought my desires were sinful
A kid who was afraid to be alive
Full of ideas, wishes and innocence
A boy who wanted the same things as other teens
A believer in so many things
A boy who dreamed of kissing another boy
A voracious writer and reader
A boy who knew things will get better

At 14, I didn't know what was coming; but I knew there was more out there. Thank Hera, I made it through to see my dreams come true.

What's going on with me?

Hi All

I thought I would give y'all an update on what's happening with me and my life. So, here we go in my favorite style... Bullet Point.

• I'm helping out with Bent-Con, a LGBT Comic-Con in Los Angeles. Lead by the incredible Sean Z, we are in the beginning stages of what will be the biggest LGBT geek event of the year.
• I'm completing my fourth year at USC as an Assistant Director of Res Life. The students, the trips and the glory has been crazy, but now the chill time begins.
• Well, I take that back. I decided to take 2 classes this summer. One is about creating a TV pilot and the other class is about making my full feature script worthy to be picked up. Hopefully, I can take 'Shadow Boy' to the next level.
• I'm trying to make it to New York City this summer; but with work, classes and Comic-Con, it's going to be tough.
• My best friend, Tavares may be moving to L.A. He will stay with us for a bit and then he will take over the town. I'm hoping my other friends follow suit.
• I've been doing the Insanity workout for 4 weeks now, and I have to say it is a miracle worker. It kicks my ass, but my body is taking shape.
• I'm realizing that L.A. could be home for me and Jamie. 
• My mom just found out that she have a huge plot of land in her name down in Tennessee. She's working with the lawyer to see what to actually do with it.
• I got some new readers.

Well that's if for me. What about y'all?