Thought and Opinion

S1E13 - COVID and the Strikes: Hollywood After It All

I present this topic because Hollywood has long been the epicenter of global popular entertainment. But that status partly hinges not only on the talent and grit of the actors who give a script life but also on their opportunity to work and be compensated justly for their talent. And it is that opportunity and just compensation that have been severely risked by in the last 5 yrs. COVID and the consequent closures and shutdown of productions and the writers and actors guilds being forced to strike for equitable pay eliminated the opportunity to work for thousands who represent the talent and grit of Hollywood and reduced their ability earn a living to an agonizing standstill. The repercussions of which are still felt today. It is important to understand the cost exacted on those whom have suffered the brunt of these last 5 yrs in Hollywood. They are our neighbors, friends; and for many, family. To that end, Thought and Opinion is honored to have 3 tremendous actors who walk us through COVID and the strikes, Hollywood after it all. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

S1E12 - Fatherhood

I present this topic because the idea of fatherhood, wanting to become a father that is, has not always seemed desirable or achievable for out gay black men. Race and sexual identity, and class, were exploited to make fatherhood and out and proud conflicting choices. Intersectional trauma notwithstanding, many out black gay men made the decision to become fathers, and along with their children, are flourishing. So, let’s have a conversation that we should have more often. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

S1E11 - Coming Out

I pose this topic because as black LGBTQ+ men we have more shared experiences, strengths, hopes, and joys than we sometimes take the opportunity to discover. There is more community to be experienced than we allow ourselves to feel. And at this moment; when the anti-black racism, homophobia, and transphobia that reelected Donald Trump have its jackboot on our throats, fellowship and connection are all the more lifesaving. So let’s engage two black LGBTQ+ men and hear how their journeys may reflect something of ours. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

S1E10 - Gay 101: Covering the Bases

No one ever said that being out is gay. If you listen to all the noise that bombards you, being gay and out can be … overwhelming. How do you come out? What about finding community? And then there’s dating. And discovering who you authentically are, now. So let’s cover the bases and get some clarity. We’re talking Gay 101 on Thought and Opinion with special guest Glen Lawrence.  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

S1E9 - Do Black Gay Men Prefer Dating Masculine Men

I pose this question because as love and happiness are shared human desires, I have essentially always heard black gay and queer men say that they want a “masculine” man. Their presentation notwithstanding, a large number of black gay men have made masculinity their standard for love; and thereby, have attached much of their happiness to something that – many would say – is largely external and performative. That begs the question what is invaluable or superior about masculinity? What gives masculinity its privilege? And importantly from what power structure or binding source have so many of us gotten that perception of masculinity from? ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.