The T.R.U.T.H. Project at Houston Pride Festival: A Merging of Communities, Art and Pride

June is the celebratory month for a plethora of celebrations. The most celebrated aside from Father`s Day is Pride for all things LGBTQ. I've been compelled over the course of my very Queer lifetime to wonder why `pride' for anything requires a grand scale celebration. So I begin my quest for answers with dictionary definitions of Pride...Webster provided several definitions of pride, but for the sake of this article I`ve chosen two in particular. The first defines pride as a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing,conduct, etc. When considering this meaning...I begin to think, `hells yes who wouldn't want to celebrate their own importance, dignity and merit especially with or without the opinions of others?` But then thought, well shouldn't pride, if it is in fact to be celebrated be done so with close friends and family? I still hadn't found the answer as to why should pride, specifically LGBTQ pride be celebrated city wide across the nation. Ohhh but an epiphany hit me upon reading this next definition of pride. Webster also defines pride asa becoming or dignified sense of what is due to oneself or one's position or character; self-respect; self-esteem. Now Im getting somewhere. To celebrate the freedom to be yourself, amongst your peers and allies in love when surrounded by a world of hate, makes total sense to celebrate Pride OUTLOUD.

This past weekend, June 25-28, 2015, Houston, TX celebrated pride. This like any other year during the last weekend in June many of Houston`s LGBTQ community came together to celebrate pride. Though this year was monumental. Here's why! On June 26, 2015 the United States of America became the 23rd country to legalize same sex marriage. Now I can get on my soap box about the separation of church and state as well as the disdaining notion that choosing to marry who I love was once considered illegal and subjective to beliefs that aren't mine in this alleged land of the free, but this isn't the time. Now what was I saying...Oh...this date fell right in line with Pride Houston`s yearly celebration. As if that isn't reason enough to celebrate, Houston`s Pride celebration relocated after 33 years from the historic and known LGBTQ hub of Montrose to downtown Houston. This bold and expansive move brought out over 700,000 attendees for one great umbrella of causes: Pride. Here I describe my experience.

Now everyone knows that Houston can be unbearingly hot and not just in terms of its fine women and cajun-latin cuisines. I had made plans to only attend the festivities after the sun begin to set, until I was made aware that not only was Houston Pride occurring during a historical time all while T.R.U.T.H. Project, was a part of history while making history too. The T.R.U.T.H. (Telling Real Unapologetic Truths thru Healing) Project targets the GLBT community and Allies, focusing on creating self awareness and healing through the use of performance arts and social engagement. Addressing issues important to our community and society, this project highlights national and local artist creating original works presented to the community in an Out Of the Box healing experience. Healing through the ARTS...I have a great love for this organization as I have shared many truths on its platform. This time was no different. I came together with talented artists in a vast variety. The T.R.U.T.H. Project for the first time in history was a part of Houston Pride Celebration as it was one of the 200 plus exhibitors that attracted more than 75,000 people. That day was a good day.

Standing in Tranquility Park lined with tent-booths ranging from mental health information to wine samples, I couldnt help but feel a bit of Nostalgia.It reminded me of a hot summer day with your family enjoying each other, nature, and any other gloriousness the park background had to offer. In addition to that, I felt totally comfortable and at ease, like I belonged much like I did when Sweet Tooth Media sponsored and attended Eden`s San Francisco Pride. The grandfather of Prides across the nation shuts the entire city down. News coverage is extensive and pride is celebrated by many of its natives, visitors and transplants. Though Houston, didn't mimic this in its entirety, because I was there...as an active participant and artist for the T.R.U.T.H. Project, I felt right at home. The day was so full of energy and love. Yes, it was scorching hot, but the T.R.U.T.H. Project found its home on the Barefoot Wine Stage with plenty of seating and shade.  Shared with the likes of Big Freedia, the T.R.U.T.H. Project's artist brought an ascending healing energy with it. Spoken word artists such as Tiffany Wordmatician Scales, Jordan Sneed, James Just and MsNightLyfe gave voices to those without one, speaking life and sharing healing experience to every ear that heard. Vonetta of ABC BodyArt brought to life the Houston Pride`s HERO theme painting human bodies with armored paint. Damion and Nick afforded every eye that could see dance in its most purest and expressive form. Their performance attracted passer-bys with their high energy interaction with the audience. Concluding the T.R.U.T.H. Project's time for the evening included its founder, K. Dapree, thanking everyone, encouraging audience attendance, and inviting us all back to continue in the celebration of pride for Women of Color, the 2nd installment of the 3-part Black Lives Matter Series.

Prideful Intersectionality is a more appropriate term for what I experienced that day. I saw and interacted with people that looked like me and those that didn't. We all gathered for the greater good of each other to celebrate our journey, our independence, our victory, our stride in freedom, our selves, our Pride. The T.R.U.T.H. Project`s participation, inclusion in Houston Pride Celebrations, was the ultimate merging of the arts and communities.





"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Literary Soul Symposium: Los Angeles, California September 2014

“Conversations of closed mouths: Strengthening our experience thru literature”

Its time to heal, make amends, and just plain ole TALK. The Literary Soul Symposium, provides an outlet for closed mouths to engage in conversation. There are many difficult topics in our GLBTQ Community that often get avoided because they are complex and very emotionally charged. However, they need discussing. The discussion (or “Conversation”) helps to facilitate the healing that inevitably brings wholeness.  Topics such as Domestic Abuse, Harassment, Molestation, Mental Illness, HIV and many others that people deal with, but are often “closed mouth” about , because the subject(s) are hard to broach.  

This year the Literary Soul Symposium (LSS) will be an aid in opening the conversations about many hot, but difficult topics.  We believe that literature can assist because it can serve as a bridge to starting the conversation, as well as, be a resource in finding avenues and solutions. Held September 19-21, 2014 at the Carl Bean House in Los Angeles, California, LSS in its 3rd year will once again stand as a reputable source of promotion and support of the diverse literary efforts of GLBT Authors.

Through our appreciation of Literature, we find that we are not alone in our struggles. And, find strength in knowing that…if others in the stories we read can make it, so can we.  We won’t remain “closed mouth” about what hurts or impacts us…we shall overcome. For more information or to Register visit http://www.literarysoulsymposium.myevent.com/ 

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Confessions of An Artist: My T.R.U.T.H- Real, Unapologetic Healing- I CARE Campaign

 

Negative, depressed, dark, and pain are just some words to describe the condition of my heart during what is Still the worst day of my existence: 10.1.10 was a day symbolic to a record getting caught on the bent needle of an old record player. It replays over and over the same sound, the same agonizing pain that any mother would feel, if she heard that because of her choice in love, she'd been deemed unfit. Feelings of remorse, confusion and injustice were minimal compared to feelings of defeat, defamation, and embarrassment. Yet my anger, my rage was agonizing especially when those thoughts became calls of action. I'd become so paralyzed with grief, hatred and dark desires that I withdrew from the world around me. There was no light in the space I had been forced to live in. The only thing that existed was the poison that handicapped me and...a pen and a pad.

I'm not certain what forced my hand, to change my mind...my first guess is that I'd grown tired of being still, stagnant in grief. I knew that what I was feeling needed to be released, told, shared with someone, anyone that was willing to listen. If nothing more, I knew that it couldn't continue to reside in me, taking my mind, body, and soul hostage. So I begin to write. That act alone was so monumental in my life that I haven't stopped writing. Picking up that pen was the beginning of my healing, the releasing of hate. It was then that I wrote my first poem, entitled My Side of the Story. My Side details the custody battle that changed Everything in my life. I shared that poem publicly for the first time at HeArt and Soul Produced by K. Dapree. I was received with open arms as I stood on the stage with my paper, reading and exposing, something so real and live:  My T.R.U.T.H. (Telling Real Unapologetic Truths Thru Healing). From that sharing, K. Dapree invited me not only to write for what was at the time one of his new project, but to also share more of my Truths at the T.R.U.T.H. Project.

Neither of us knew it at the time, but that was the beginning of a journey that has taken an identity of its own. I am still writing not just to heal myself this time, but to encourage and excite healing in others. The T.R.U.T.H Project and all of its affiliates cared enough to give share their platform with me and allow me to share my pain and my healing. When in an environment of caring it makes it second nature to care too. Which leads me to share further. The T.R.U.T.H Project has launched the I CARE Campaign so that it may continue to offer opportunities to nurture new writers and provide platforms for healing and creative expression. To learn more about the campaign, to donate, and show that YOU too CARE visit www.ExperienceTheTruth.com. I encourage everyone to share their healing point and the appointed healer and/or platform that has allowed you to move forward in your life as it may save someone else's. All information and direct links to the T.R.U.T.H Project and the I Care Campaign can be found at www.SweetToothMedia.com
uzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!

The 2nd Installment of the T.R.U.T.H. Project: Reflection on the Art of Recognition and Healing

Imagine your T.R.U.T.H. is melodiously hypnotizing and leading you to a place consumed by smooth Jazz and R&B Tunes, playing musical talent greats such as Angie Stone. The soothing sounds are excellent music to your ears...So much so, that you realize that you are unconsciously awake. Until...your eyes absorb one of the most magnificent creations in the making: Body Art created by Vonetta of ABC Body Art jolting you into consciousness. Making you aware that she is eloquently painting male and female models with varying hues of browns and blues decorating the human canvases with words and phrases that speaks her T.R.U.T.Hs. This causes you to examine others getting a full frontal view of the excellence that you are experiencing. You find that the audience is just as diverse as the artistry that has begun to stimulate all of your senses. After pinching yourself, because this type of glorious exhibition is only found in vivid dreams, you accept that you are in fact NOT asleep rather you are at the 2nd Installment of the T.R.U.T.H Project. This is the ephipany that I lived.

ABC Body Art by Vonetta

Miss Pinky

The T.R.U.T.H. Project targets the GLBT community and Allies, focusing on creating self awareness and healing through the use of performance arts and social engagement. Addressing issues important to our community and society, this project highlights national and local artist creating original works that will be presented to the community in an Out Of the Box healing experience. Healing through the ARTS. T.R.U.T.H stands for Telling Real Unapologetic Truths thru Healing. The T.R.U.T.H Project is a themed structured event, that highlights Feature/Celebrity Presentations, Community Artists, and the Open Mic; for those making the decision to heal. The artists create original work centering around the theme. The 2nd Installment's theme centered around creating Stigma and Bullying awareness. This installment's features were the wonderful Entertainer Buttaflysoul who blessed us with his many talents including poetry and song; as well as the talented acoutstic guitarist, Ken J. Martin. Community artists included Urban Souls Dance Company II, HBO Short Film Creator, Darius Clark Monroe and Dr. Drake Williams who educated the audience on bullying behavior and statistics. This aspect of the T.R.U.T.H Project very enlightening because there were aspects of bullying presented that many were unaware of, such as 282,000 students were reported to be attacked throughout the nation each month. Fourth to eighth graders account for 90% physical abuse at home which leads to violence at school. The Open Mic was set on fire by poets, such as Augie, Ms. Pinky, RC, and Light. The Open Mic also included movements by Donnie, a member of Urban Souls Dance Company. Each artist contributed beautifully to bring and increase awareness to bullying and stigma.  Entertainer Buttafly Soul RC Urban Souls Dance Company II Ken J. Martin The energy was so high and powerful in that room, I was moved to tears. Hearing community members share their unapologetic truths moving themselves and me to healing. The best part of the night before witnessing all of the healing gifts offered was being able to sit down and chat with Entertainer Buttaflysoul. He shared his absolute truths with me and helped me to come to terms with some of my own. If you have never experienced excellence and healing of this magnitude, then you are doing yourself a great disservice. The next T.R.U.T.H Project will be held on December 4, 2011 at the Arena Theater, featuring 6x Grammy Award Nominee, Marsha Ambrosius. The 3rd Installment's them is Stigma and HIV/AIDS Awareness. For more information visit http://www.sweettoothmedia.com/

Check Out Intimate Conversation with Entertainer Buttafly Soul

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

World AIDS Day 2011

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988. Furthermore it is an opportunity for you to learn the facts about HIV and put your knowledge into action. If you understand how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today - you can use this knowledge to take care of your own health and the health of others, and ensure you treat everyone living with HIV fairly, and with respect and understanding. You can also show your support for people living with HIV on World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon, the international symbol of HIV awareness. World AIDS Day is also a great opportunity to raise money for NAT and show your support for people living with HIV.

Each year there is a theme attached to World AIDS Day. In 1988, the theme was Communication. Communication is a necessary medicine in maintaining health and being the theme during the first year of inception speaks volumes about the importance of being able to communicate freely. In 2002-2003 the theme was Stigma and Discrimination. These are of importance because stigma and discrimination act as secondary illness that greatly affect persons living with HIV/AIDS. The theme for 2011 through 2015 is "Getting to Zero". Zero New HIV Infections. Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths. “Zero New HIV Infections” and “Zero Discrimination” are likely to spark high impact events from small scale community vigils to nation wide events using the power of  voice and light to get life and death issues the attention they deserve. Many of the organizations that come together to put events to create awareness of the AIDS/HIV epidemic come with their own sub-theme. A notable event in Houston is the upcoming T.R.U.T.H Project. The T.R.U.T.H. Project targets the GLBT community and Allies, focusing on creating self awareness and healing through the use of performance arts and social engagement. Addressing issues important to our community and society, this project highlights national and local artist creating original works that will be presented to the community in an Out Of the Box healing experience. Healing through the ARTS. This installment's theme is addressing the issues of HIV Awareness and Stigma.

AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, and an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children.

The data regarding Americans living with HIV are alarming. ‎1.2 million Americans who have HIV - the infection that causes AIDS - 20 percent don't know they're infected. That's 240,000 people. People can have the infection for years without developing symptoms. Another reason for the low success rate, only about 40 percent of people with HIV are getting HIV-fighting medications regularly. Worse, only 28 percent have gotten the virus to low levels in their blood. That translates to roughly 850,000 Americans who don't have the virus controlled, Frieden said. Success rates were lowest in blacks and women, he said. ‎"The fact that nearly three quarters of Americans living with HIV still have the virus circulating in their bodies, damaging their brains and immune systems and putting their sexual partner at risk is something we think we can do a lot about," Frieden told Reuters. The report - published Tuesday on the CDC's website - was based on surveys and surveillance reports from 2010 and a study that focused on medical care for people with HIV.

There are several reasons why more people aren't faring better, the CDC said. Some were still early in their treatment before medication took effect. Some dropped routine care because of money or other reasons. For a small percentage of cases, the treatment may not have worked. The key to Getting To Zero, is getting tested! KNOW your STATUS, Get Tested!!!!

Sources:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57333212-10391704/cdc-240000-americans-have-hiv-and-dont-know-it/
http://www.worldaidsday.org/
http://www.aidshelp.org/
http://www.unaids.org/en/Dataanalysis/Epidemiology/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_AIDS_Day
http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/world-aids-day/world-aids-day-2011/
 
 
"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

The T.R.U.T.H. Project: K. DaPree, The Socially Inclined SoothSayer!

 Often when you hear the term "Social Network" you think of a social structure made up of individuals or organizations that are in some form connected through commonalities or similar interest. These relationships work together for the individuals and the social structure. I like to infer that these social structures will thrive based on the foundation in which it was created. For the sake of this blog, I will focus on earlier innuendos of Social Network, dating back to the 1800's. Sociologists argued that social groups can exist as personal and direct social ties that either link individuals who share values and belief or impersonal, formal, and instrumental social links. This says that we have a need to to socialize, its what makes us human. All to often we get so caught up in the "social networks" that we fail to hone those social ties to the point of healing. When individuals gather to celebrate, appreciate and share  those things that make us human, I think it would be safe to say, that being apart of a social network is in our best interest and the best thing to do. But...what if you are the social network itself, intricately operating, existing, simply to bring togther a group of individuals using their pain to heal themselves and others? I have found an individual, that is the source of the Ultimate Social Network, Mr. K. Dapree and that network is the T.R.U.T.H. Project which stands for Telling Real Unapologetic Truth thru Healing. Its a must that I tell you how this Social Network has grown into the Ultimate Social Network....Listen Up!!!

It was scorching HOT on an early Friday evening, and I arrived at the home of Mr. Kevin Anderson, socially known as K. Dapree. I was brought in out of Hell's imitation and greeted warmly...so much so, I kicked my shoes off and almost curled up on the couch. K. Dapree made me feel comfortable and right at home. After I was all settled in, I took a sip of my water, and just gazed in amazement at this marvelous being. This man has done wonderful things for the community. It is no wonder he, himself, has become the ultimate social network. First beginning, with He(Art) and Soul, a merging of the arts, where various artists of all walks come to share their talents, network and be spiritually fed, K.Dapree envisioned an intellectual alternative form of entertainment. From that vision grew a breeding ground of kindred spirits and creative juices.  He(Art) and Soul has become the sounding stage, for those creative souls, willing, driven, and pulled to share and inspire. K. Dapree tells me that in analyzing the progress of He(Art) and Soul, he found that he had created a platform for people to open up and talk about taboo and painful issues that in someway or another lead to healing and moving on. In the midst of He(Art) and Soul's growth, he had another visionary idea that was written on a sticky note at work, and said "T.R.U.T.H. Project. K. Dapree states that he didn't have any idea what that meant, but realized at a later date that he put periods behind each letter, and then one day it hit him: Telling Real Unapologetic Truths thru Healing. This would be an exclusive arena for healing through arts, through expression. Six months later it has become that and more.

The T.R.U.T.H Project launched on June 24th, 2011. Its healing theme was Abuse and Discrimination. The next T.R.U.T.H Project will be on September 17, 2011 at the Kaplan Theater on the campus of the Jewish Community Center. 5601 S. Braeswood. The theme in September will focus on Bullying and Stigma. September's project features Buttafly Soul and Ken J. Martin along community artists including L.I.G.H.T (Spoken Word Artist/Educator), Donnie(Dancer),  Urban Souls Dance Company 2, Venita (Body Artist) and Ms. Pinky (Poetess). The T.R.U.T.H Project is a structured event, that highlights Feature/Celebrity Presentations, Community Artists, and the Open Mic; for those making the decision to heal because of something they heard or experienced at any of K. Dapree's events. The artists create original work centering around the theme. What makes this the Ultimate Social Network is that all of its members are expressing for the common good of every eye that sees and every ear that hears. K. Dapree, says this isn't a competitive platform, rather a great formation of alliances and collaboration.  Having been a patron of anyting K. Dapree, I have witnessed first hand artists networking, coming together to serve each other effortlessly. Witnessing the connections is what makes this worthwhile for K. Dapree.

As I sat there hanging on to every word, made by one of the most talented, creative men I know, it was hard for me to find exactly where to end the interview. Listening to him speak is like listening to a poetic love song on a Saturday morning, while cleaning your home with the windows up, rollers hanging and feet dancing. K. Dapree ends our interview with this: "Remain in your TRUTH, dont hold on to things we arent responsible for and let it out...preferably creatively. EXPRESS IT and SPEAK YOUR TRUTH!"

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"