Back in May, two other HIV+ brothas and I (Erik Chambers, l, and Monte J. Wolfe, r) launched a new organization called Brave Soul Collective that seeks to provide an alternative to the stigma, secrecy, and shame that many brothas who love brothas associate with their lives. We understood early that this would not be done without the support and collaboration with our HIV- brothas and sistas, so we're now experiencing what happens when you open a big closet door at the proverbial/metonymic black community center and everyone, poz and neg, gay/bi/sgl or straight-identified, OUT and DL, men and women (who strive to love and better support us), begin to keep it real for real about things. It's pretty powerful!
If this is the kind of space you believe is worth nurturing, check us out. It costs nothing to be a part of this community except the request to be more brave, than you (perhaps) believe is possible. We've launched a very wonderful website:
www.bravesoulcollective.org
where brothas (and, on occassion, sistas) are encouraged to talk very openly about topics: body image, sex (yes, detailed stuff), depression and suicide prevention, HIV/AIDS testing, care and lifestyle, relationships and dating, music and the arts, etc... Check out the Message Board, but also Artist Feature (we've had Lalah Hathaway and Frenchie Davis in past months), Topic of the Month (this month, relationships), and other pages.
It's among the things I'm most proud of. Inspired by the late Essex Hemphill's poem "For My Own Protection," I once wrote that I wanted "to start an organization to help save my life". I believe that I have.... but it's about much more than my life, happiness, joy.... standing in my truth. It's about providing a space where others feel welcome to do so; and know there's a community of Brave Souls who will hold their truth.... and them too.
That's whassup!
FYI: We'll be hosting an introduction of BSC at In the Life Atlanta/Atlanta Black Pride on Saturday, September 2nd at the Host Hotel. For more details, continue checking this blog entry or the website. Our face to face meetings are just as powerful. We've had them in DC, Chicago, and now ATL. It's less about the organization in progress, than the community finally standing up to speak for itself, instead of being reduced to media "DL" soundbites.
1 comment:
hey beloved one. keep doing your thang. i am sending you brave ones love and light as you do what you are called to do. peace and love, ananda kiamsha
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