Gladys Knight 101: How To Have A Career That Lasts Beyond One Single

(Mood Tunes: Make Me The Woman You Go Home To and also Save The Overtime (For Me) by Gladys Knight and the Pips.)

Oh, how I wanted to be a Pip... and we won't talk about using the upright vacuum cleaner and cord as a fake mike to lip sync... the lead. Lawwwwwwd, you did it too ;-)

So to go beyond one single... You follow the lead of someone like Gladys Knight, who has been in the industry for over 50 years, and continues to perform and release projects when she's ready... and not for just trend/pop culture value.

Case in point... her new CD, Before Me, a jazz and standards-filled project that pays homage to the women who came before her... Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, Sarah Vaughan, etc...

This week's People Magazine... with cover story "Pressure to be Thin"... gives the new Gladys Knight an excellent review. And here's an interview Gladys did with Tavis Smiley a few weeks back.

I've always thought of the singers of that generation... you know them all... that Gladys has the richest and most moving voice. Just powerful.

It's not often that our music veterans release projects... so this would be a good time to support real singing, a real voice, and a real woman who shows how to maintain a career beyond the charts, bling, and red carpets.
fs

Homophobia 101: How Not To Gain Fans

Well, you don't tell the gay and lesbian community, "F- Them," as reggae artist Buju Banton said in an interview with Billboard Magazine about a coalition of black gays and lesbians who successfully halted his recent concerts in major U.S. cities due to his homophobic lyrics.

But they're not just homophobic lyrics. They're lyrics that call for outright violence against gays and lesbians... and reinforce typical homophobic thoughts and opinions from the island of Jamaica.

Jasmyne Cannick and Keith Boykin have more details about the Buju Banton story on their sites... and have really taken the lead on making sure this story stays in the public eye.
fs

Esowon. Free. Haters.

Mood music: Ruff Neck by MC Lyte (YouTube link) (aah, that silly college dance routine... and memories of pursuing...)

OK. So first off, my favorite bookstore in L.A., Esowon Books, is moving from its LaBrea street location to Leimert Park like this weekend. They specialize in books by and about black people. This will totally make my Degnan Ave. visits much longer. Bruch. Books. Desserts at Lucy Florence Cafe. Eye candy. Yum.

OK. So another book you might want to know about. Someday We'll All Be Free by Kevin Powell. Another book of essays on race, politics, religion, politics. Should be a good read and resource. He never dissapoints and gives much to think about in black America... America in general.

OK. One more. Love this title: Haters by Alisa Valdes Rodriguez. A novel about the trials and tribulations of high school and the haters who make life... interesting... in that time of life. I've loved all of Alisa's novels. I'm sure this one will delight too.

That's all. Hope you have a Hater-free day!
fs

Feast of Fools Do L.A.

Mood tune: So Excited by Janet Jackson (YouTube link)

If you're in L.A. tonight, you gotta check out my FAVORITE podcast in the world... Feast of Fools. They're doing a live show at 7 pm at Micky's on Santa Monica Blvd.

Here's the details:
Feast of Fools (Podcast Recording)
Wednesday, September 27 at 7 pm
Micky's
8857 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA

But if you live here already, you know exactly where Micky's is...

The whole gang will be there... Miss Ronnie (pictured above), Marc and Fausto (the hosts), Amanda Steinstein, and Sal-E. Should be a fun time!
fs

Ugly Betty. Betty La Fea.

Mood tune: Work To Do by Vanessa Williams (YouTube link).

Just a few days until the new ABC comedy, Ugly Betty. Oh, and Vanessa Williams stars in this show... have you seen the trailers with her character, Wilhemina, getting botox? Hilarious!

My friends and I watched this show several years ago when it was a Spanish-language novela/soap, Betty La Fea. In fact, there was a dance song called Betty La Fea that we used to dance to at some places in L.A. back in the early 2000s.

As a novela, Betty La Fea (original Betty on left) challenged the typical formula. Betty didn't fit the mold of a heroine. There were some uber-feminist messages -- that beauty is not just skin deep, that aspiring to a career instead of marriage is good, that being smart is okay.

The premise is that Betty, the ugly, is the office accountant/manager in a fashion magazine, where everything is superficial and focused on looks only.

With Salma Hayek as executive producer and Vanessa L. Williams co-starring, I'm sure it will become a Thursday night favorite this season... just before you watch Grey's Anatomy. My Tivo's set.
fs

The 1988 Boys.

I'm so excited with the new school year. Feeling just a tad "experienced" seeing that the new college freshmen are born in 1988... and I had a thriving angst-filled teen life in 1988.

But the cool thing is that so many who are LGBT -- and of color -- are out and proud and their families know and so do their friends, old ones and new ones. That's so freaking cool and such a change from when I was a college freshman, or sophomore, or even junior. After junior year, I just said eff it. Who cares?

It's fun/ny seeing them in their 18-y.o. "power clik" running around campus, getting involved in leadership opportunities already, finding their first jobs, helping each other with boy drama, linking up their MySpace pages, and just being the 1988 boys they are. Somehow they've all found me and my office. Go figure. That's cool. I like mentoring and knowing I can live my life when I go home.

And hopefully making a difference. Reading Clay Cane's site yesterday (He's Got HIV) made me a little reflective, sad, yet hopeful, that maybe these 1988 boys will love themselves enough to make good choices about themselves and their romantic choices.

If you had some words of advice, or could live your 18-year-old life again, what would you offer to the 1988 boys?
fs

If

Mood tune: If by Janet Jackson (YouTube link)

Love that song... reminds me of my first days out and about -- legally -- in dance clubs. And I know we're all going to rush out and get Janet's 20 Y.O. and have it on our iPods for evening workouts. :-)

Anyway, spent the evening with someone I used to hang out with as more than a friend. We had coffee, desserts, and good conversation about his new situation and also how we used to hang... and how the new one doesn't really like us being as close as we are still.

It can be dangerous territory -- reminiscing with an ex -- but he and I are both mature and had/have no intentions of crossing any lines.

That crazy silly line. What if the line didn't matter? The emotional one or the physical one?

But of course, we -- the universal we -- always wonder about if. Well, at least I always wonder about the various forks in the road where I had to make decisions and how my life, and the people in it, could be different if I'd chosen option B instead of option A.

Silly options. What if I'd chosen to take my first post-grad school job in NYC, versus Cali? Who would I know? What would I be doing? Who would I not know?

It's crazy looking at all the big and small choices that lead to where we are today. I heard a speaker recently say that what has happened in our lives is exactly the way it's supposed to be, because it's that perfect combination that has brought us to the point we are right now.

OK. Been too reflective and philosophical lately. If I stop thinking so much, maybe I'll get myself a new storyline going for the fall.
fs

Bump

Mood tune: Be Alone Tonight from School Daze Soundtrack (Tisha Campbell, Jasmine Guy, and company rocked it!)

Anyhoo...

There's a lot of great fiction writers on the West Coast, and in particular L.A.

Diana Wagman is one of them. If you get a chance, pick up her novel Bump. Set in L.A., Bump is the story of four Angelenos whose lives simulteneously/coincidentally collide in the aftermath of a three-car accident in Los Angeles.

Pulled this one off the shelf again, after a writer friend saw it in my book collection and raved about an earlier Diana Wagman book, Spontaneous.

Figured I should pick it up again and start reading where I left off.
fs

Banned Books Weeks: You Can't Read These Books

That's because books such as Alice Walker's The Color Purple, Isabel Allende's The House of Spirits, or Maya Angelou's I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, are banned (or challenged -- you choose the wording) in some school districts or municipalities in the U.S.

These books are on the most frequently challenged books by writers of color, a list developed by the American Library Association. There are hundreds of books that are banned or challenged... i.e. not allowed to be taught or read in schools or libraries.

This week is Banned Books Week, September 23 - 30, 2006, and the ALA uses this week to celebrate the written work, intellectual freedom, and the exchange and study of ideas.

Wow, ideas. The thing that Hollywood, artists, and university types get criticized for by conservatives.
fs

We Wear The Mask

Was talking with my new best friend Eric B. last night about the African American history and literature courses we took in our respective universities in undergrad.

And I was reminded of my attempt to be teacher's pet and recite the following poem we memorized in high school in front of about 200 people... until I was humbly brought back to Earth when I forgot the last stanza.

Dr. Walter Daniel didn't give me extra credit, but gave me the props for trying and not being embarassed to take a chance... But what a dork I was for forgetting the LAST stanza!

Anyway, it's a great poem written by one of our best we should know about... Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906)
We Wear the Mask

WE wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,—
This debt we pay to human guile;
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtleties.

Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.

We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries
To thee from tortured souls arise.
We sing, but oh the clay is vile
Beneath our feet, and long the mile;
But let the world dream otherwise,
We wear the mask!

Writing. I Don't Outline.

Joseph asked me on my blog the other day about my writing style, and if I outline, write as it comes to me, etc...

I don't outline. I tend to write as it comes, and am surprised by what my characters do, say, don't do, etc... I like to be surprised by what happens and just cannot get myself to stick to an outline.

My next novel coming next summer, Right Side of the Wrong Bed, absolutely had no outline and I was completely surprised by the ending as I got to it. But it worked.

Jackie Collins talked about it the other day at the West Hollywood Book Fair. She doesn't outline either. She said writing is like life. You can plan and goal set all you want, but you're always surprised at the elements and complications that come up.

I like that idea. Though we often "play God" with our characters we can't always know what's coming ahead.

Previous writing tips I've shared here: New Year's Writing Resolutions; Writing and Working Full Time; Writer Resource Library.

What about you? You outline? Or write as it comes? What about writing by hand, versus writing on computer?
fs

Don't Date Him. And Other Mentor Moments.

So ever since my dad died earlier this year, I've been feeling very paternalistic. Not that I am going to, or expect to, have any kids... ever.

But I know that through my work at a college and as a published author, I serve as an "older brother" -- can't quite go "father" -- figure. Especially with my students, I feel like I've got "kids." And the freshmen... born in 1988... I had a life in 1988!

I know that by trying to do the right thing, by sharing my successes and challenges, by striving not to become a statistic, I am serving as a de-facto role model. That's something we definitely need be more mindful of in our LGBT community, and all the smaller groups within that community. We're mentors and people are looking for mentors all the time.

Anyhoo, this morning. The topic of the morning is this website Don't Date Him Girl, and if it's a responsible thing to post information and photos about past dating nightmares and partners. Is it legal? Libelous? Are the posters providing information for younger people, or "mentees", to learn from their mistakes? Or are people having a difficult time getting over being burned by someone?

I'm wondering when it comes to dating in the LGBT community, and all the smaller groups within that community, do we have a responsibility to share information -- formally or informally -- about the people our friends or younger people choose to date or hang out with? Should we keep our opinions -- whether based on feelings or facts -- to ourselves and let our friends "learn their lesson" on their own? Or do we have a responsibility to guide our brothers and sisters so they don't have to face an unfortunate outcome from a person who might not be all we think they should be?

Your thoughts? Should the LGBT community develop its own "Don't Date Him/Her Boy/Girl" mentality? Or do we already provide this "service" when we're out and about with friends?
fs

Abandoned Manuscripts. And A Writing Opportunity For Gay Romance Stories.

Mood Tunes: 20 Y.O. by Janet Jackson, streaming at BET. Loving Enjoy!

Anyway, I'm at that point again. I'm way into writing my third book, but I'm feeling like abandoning it.

I know I shouldn't, and I won't. They tell us writers to just get through the darn thing, then obsess over the details and what you missed while revising.

My thing -- when I get an idea, I am gung-ho over it and write... until I start to not feel so gung-ho about it.

My laptop is filled with abandoned manuscripts. Started them. Never finished them. Maybe I could combine them and make one very disjointed novel/novella/short story collection. Advice to writers aspiring to be published: JUST PLOW THROUGH THE FIRST DRAFT -- you can always fill in details, add characters, tweak your ideas during the revision process. Maybe I should follow my own advice.

Anyhoo... got this email about an anthology of Gay Romantic Stories. They're looking for short stories immediately. Check it out, there's contact information... maybe this will be your lucky break!
fs

Hi, everyone. I'm in dire need of replacement stories for BEST GAY ROMANCE 2007, which will be published by Cleis Press. Do any of you boys (and possibly girls) have anything already written that you could send me? Material can be previously published. And you can send me more than one story.

The publisher says that many of the stories I'd originally included were too much of a downer, so if you have anything upbeat, that would be great. Maximum word count: 6,500. Payment: $100 upon publication. I need stories ASAP!!!! Please e-mail me at angelafaithbrown@aol.com.

Best wishes,
Angela Brown

Later.
fs

Manstealing For Fat Girls

Heard about this book... from somewhere. Not sure where.

But Manstealing For Fat Girls by Michelle Embree is a young adult novel set in St. Louis in the 1980s.

It's about the feelings of angst most high schoolers feels regarding sexual orientation, weight, money or lack thereof, appearance, and the idea of fitting in. The protagonist in this novel, apparently, gets befriended by the prettiest and most popular girl in school. I gotta read to find out more.

Having been reviewed as fierce, gritty, and honest, I would say this could be a good book for any young adult in your life... or an adult who remembers what it felt like to be on the outside as a teen, but made it through with flying colors anyway.
fs

Lovers and Players and Jackie Collins

Lovers and Players is the title of Jackie Collins newest novel.

I bought it yesterday, after Rashid Darden wrote a great review of it last week, AND after listening to a fun conversation/panel Jackie Collins participated on at the West Hollywood Book Fair.

Fiona got a picture with her. I didn't. Oh well.

Anyway, Jackie Collins has a quick wit, very fun conversation style. Her stories and responses roll off really easily. I'm just amazed at how down to earth she is while on panel and talking with readers.

OK. Enough gushing. You can tell this was a highlight, huh?

I was very happy and proud of the panel I participated on. One thing I rarely do, unless it's a solo speech or training, is write notes. I mentally prepare, but I don't write a lot down. I like to sound more natural, friendly, etc... But then I also know I can sound real formal. Hmmm... I am an approachable person... I tell myself.

Super excited my new best friend Eric B. showed up, looking fab as always. That's another conversation not for the blog. But so cool hanging yesterday.

Oh, but isn't Lovers and Players a fun title? I realize there's absolutely nothing wrong with writing fun fiction. People love it. People buy it. People want an escape from their personal realities. 400 million Jackie Collins books sold worldwide says people want an escape.

That's all.
fs

The Homefront.

Mood Tune: Venus by Bananarama (YouTube video link)

Why does it take a visitor to your place to really make you appreciate where you live?

Fiona Zedde arrived yesterday a we prepare for today's West Hollywood Book Fair. We did some Thai food at a place near my place. We stopped by a local haunt to people watch and to help my friend celebrate his birthday. We talked books, being on the same label, people watching, my Erica Kane string of relationships and dates, and how great Fiona thinks my apartment is.

Go figure.

I'm always complaining about how I don't feel like I have enough room, or that the neighborhood isn't close to the "happening" spots, blah blah blah. But she was admiring big front window that overlooks the street, the quietness, the flowering tree outside the big front window, and all that.

I'm like, I guess... I've overlooked those things and taken it all for granted. And because I don't host a lot of friends at my place, I guess I never really know what's good or not good. Seems to be very L.A. to host and/or congregate with friends "out": restaurants, bars, clubs, events. Maybe it's just my circle of friends.

So now... I like my place again. And I don't plan to move... at least for another year. And I'm glad Fiona is going to be on the same panel as me today. In just a few hours.

I need the positive energy and vibes she gives.
fs

Naughts & Crosses

Read about this one on Monica Jackson's blog last week.

Naughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman is a Young Adult novel that explores the theme: what would the world be like if "blackness" was the norm, and everyone and everything had to live up to that standard.

The novel is the first in a trilogy exploring the characters and theme in Naughts & Crosses. And it has earned a slew of awards and critical acclaim.

For you aspiring writers, by the way, the Young Adult market is hot. Especially fiction for and about youth of color. Many publishers are looking to expland their Young Adult lines. And many authors who made their mark in writing for adults are now turning to Young Adult fiction to expand their writing abilities and also their audiences.

Cynsations has a great blog entry (and blog) on breaking into Young Adult fiction.

Anyway, I think the Naughts & Crosses series might be a good thing for you or a young adult in your life.
fs

Momma, There's A Black Person on TV!

I remember my mom and dad talking about how when they were young, seeing a black person on tv was a neighborhood event.

They said everything would shut down, everyone would stop what they were doing, just to see that image of themselves on television.

In the 70s, 80s and early 90s, we had more black images on shows like The Jeffersons, The Cosby Show, A Different World, and City of Angels (yeah, the black medical drama with Vivica A. Fox and Blair Underwood.)

In the 2000's, we have music videos, music awards shows, reality shows about music or featuring former musical entertainers, and Girlfriends, which is my favorite show to survive the UPN changeover to the CW. (Girlfriend, by the way, is soooooo overlooked by the Emmy Awards... such a shame for such a good show to be ignored.)

So with very few black images on television these days, the whole Survivor experiment with teams based on race and ethnicity, might be an interesting thing to see tonight. Jasmyne Cannick shares her thoughts on her site today.

If you're black, you know that whole thing about rooting for the black person on The Price is Right or any other game show. I bet a whole lotta people will be drawn to Survivor for just the same reason tonight.

Hmmm.
fs

West Hollywood Book Fair 2006

Mood tune: Take Care of You by Shanice (Flex and Shanice are just TOO cute together in this video)

Join me, if you're in Los Angeles this Sunday, September 17, 2006, at the West Hollywood Book Fair.

Heard there will be special appearances by Hill Harper (pictured left w/his book), Jackie Collins, and other cool folks like that.

I'm participating on a panel called "Scratching Our Niche: New LGBT Writers on 'Getting the Word Out.'"

The panel I'm on features myself and Fiona Zedde (A Taste of Sin), moderator Max Pierce, and Don Barrett, D. Travers Scott, and Jim Tushinski. Our panel takes place at 11 am on the day of the fest, and the fair continues until 6 pm.

Yeah, it's early for you Saturday night party heads, but for book lovers I'm sure it's a perfect time. Get your morning paper and morning mimosa at The Abbey before heading to the panel in the park (right behind The Abbey).

And if the morning mimosa isn't incentive enough, it was at last year's WEHO Book Fair that I met my military experience of last fall and winter... sitting right there in the audience of the panel I was on... cute, black, fit, fine, young and new in town ;-) Oops, did I share that with you? Well, if it happened to me, it can happen to you. And I know a lot of you are looking. Why not someone who reads? lol.

Until next time... spread the word and come on out to the WEHO Book Fair this weekend.
fs

Whitney... Free?

OK. This'll be old news tomorrow, but have you heard?

Whitney filed for divorce from Bobby.

True or false?
fs

The Holiday Hunt

Mood tune: Love in the First Degree by Bananarama (YouTube video link)

So like most of you who are single, I am also looking for "the one." Well, not looking like a detective... but open to finding "the one."

Every few weeks or so I think I've found him, but then a few small factors come into play -- he has a partner, he lives 3,000 miles away, he thinks I'm an ATM, he doesn't believe a person really IS busy, or he can't keep focused on one person. You know, small things like that. (Should those small things be overlooked, hmmm?)

Anyway, last week I was emailing my friend Clay Cane about a hilarious and thought-provoking essay he wrote last year on his blog. The entry, Halloween & The Hunt, centered on the holidays, being single, and the "timeline" that determines if you're with or without a partner over the holidays. I just love it and wanted you to read it too... especially the line about drinking straight vodka, Nina Simone, and Color Purple. A classic Clay-ism :-)

It's funny that when you're a writer of fiction, you want your characters to experience angst and complications. You want them to have internal conflicts between what they should and shouldn't do, say, want, or need. You want them to resolve to do, say, want, need one thing, but do, say, want, and need something else.

It's good for fiction. Not good for a real person. But I guess that makes us human. And what keeps us ever hopeful that tomorrow, our search will bring "the one."

Speaking of which, you'll probably meet and/or see several "ones" at the West Hollywood Book Fair this weekend, Sunday, September 17, 2006... including myself on a panel at 11 am.

Take care. And let me... or Clay know what you think.
fs

We Love Victoria Rowell... aka Drucilla!

Never met her, Victoria Rowell, but have admired her performances recently on Noah's Arc and also of late on Young and The Restless. Actually, always admired her.

On Y&R, if you haven't seen her, she plays Drucilla Winters, a mother, wife, fashion executive, and friend.

She also provides much comic relief and a sense or reality to the show when it comes to portraying a complex black woman. She knows how to be serious and she knows how to bring out the sista side and take care of business when needed. She's like women we knowand grew up with in our day-to-day lives, which is cool to see on television.

Very good acting. And if you get SoapNet in your area or Tivo Y&R, you have to see Drucilla go off on Carmen today, the woman after Dru's husband Neil. I just love how the actress isn't afraid to show the complexities and realness of her character's experience.

Anyway, we love Victoria Rowell and hope for some major Emmy love in next year's Daytime Emmy process.
fs

Musical Madness

Doesn't Ludacris look nice with the new haircut?

I finally saw the video for his song "Money Maker" last week and was wowed. So much so that I texted a friend about my wowe. I guess I'd never noticed or paid attention to Ludacris' look before. He's kinda nice looking. I don't know anything about his politics or thoughts on lgbt folks and fans, but, hmmm... I guess with a song like "Money Maker" the politics are... Anyway, look for his Release in late September.

OK. I've never disliked India.Arie's music, but I've never gotten around to buy any of her music. Last week I "borrowed" my sister's copy of Miss Arie's Testimony, Vol. 1: Life & Relationship and I'm loving it. Well, there's a few songs that have made my gym iTunes list, including "Summer" and "Private Party" and "Heart of the Matter."

The musical madness. Go figure.
fs

Design Star

Um, as if I need another television show to watch. And no, he hasn't won as far as I know. That will be revealed Sunday.

But when in Rome do as the Romans, and while in Detroit this past week I did as my mom and sister did. Watch a bunch of HGTV.

Especially the marathon episodes of a reality show called Design Star. Like Project Runway is for fashion designers, Design Star is for talented home interior decorators who get an assignment each week, a budget, and a set number of hours to complete a home decorating/makeover project.

I was mesmerized. Every time I watch one of these makeover shows, I get the itch to start tearing down walls, throwing out stuff, and hammering things... and I have no talent in any of these areas. All I know is I like color (which I have very little in the house), and modern and minimalist looks (again, none of which reflect my current decor).

Anyway, the finale of Design Star airs this weekend. It's down to David, pictured left. And Alice. Both really talented. Winner revealed Sunday. I have no clue who will win, because they're both talented in their own way.

Just put David here because he's wearing more cute clothes.
fs

The Plane. The iPod. The Respite. The Noah.

Ewww. I think I snored on the plane today. Or at very least I woke myself up with the beginning of a snore. Not sure. But soooooo embarassing. If I did.

Entertained myself with iPod and some new tunes I lifted from my sister. I did something really silly with my iTunes just before vacation. Somehow I erased all the singers and CD artwork of all my downloaded songs. Don't ask... because I don't know how I did it. Part of vacation was spent manually getting artwork and singers back on my iPod of CDs I put on my computer. Now... if anyone knows how I can get both for tunes bought from iTunes, that would be most helpful... because all I get are song titles. Thanks.

Oh. Another plane moment. Read the most wonderful short story called "Respite: Pauline" in Water Street, a book of short stories by Crystal Wilkinson. It's about a mother-in-law who is not too pleased with her son's choice of wife or how they run their household. Very fun(ny) story. Not just for her critiques of her son and daughter-in-law, but because you see that older people have humanity and still keep a sense of humor into their senior years.

And of course, the first thing I did when I got back was catch up on two weeks of Noah's Arc. Thank God for DVR service. Man, have the episodes this season been rocking or what? I kinda dug that British rapper/singer dude. The character has an interesting, jumpy energy he brings to the show. He's a must-keep, if I must say so. Loving the "wait 'til I steal your man, bitch" storyline, too.

Laters...
fs

Hunger

It's fall. Time for something new to read.

Check out Hunger by Erica Simone Turnipseed.

It's a follow up to her first novel, A Love Noire, which came out a few years ago and which I enjoyed thoroughly. It continues the love story between two black intellectuals in NYC.

It's definitely a good story and something worth picking up. Essence Magazine thought so -- it's the latest book club pick by the magazine.
fs

Reminiscing. Atlanta Pride.

Just sitting here, in Detroit, on a Friday evening, reminiscing about where I was last Labor Day weekend. Atlanta for In the Life Atlanta. Real fun time. I was a little under the weather that weekend, so I didn't hit all the clubs with my friends like I wanted to.

But today, I started thinking about what In the Life Atlanta, or any other black gay pride event, must have been like in say... the early or mid 90s. When house and dance music ruled, and the whole playing gender/thug-hyper-masculine/hip hop thing wasn't the flavor of the day.

And I came up with these. Feel free to add your own. They're all You Tube links... in case you've got a ton of time on your hands, like me. fs.

Crystal Waters. Homeless.
Lil Louis. French Kiss.
Martha Wash. Give it to You.
CeCe Peniston. We Got a Love Thang.
Robin S. Show Me Love.

And winding down the first night of pride wknd, whether your decade was 70s, 80s, or 90s:
CeCe Peniston. Finally.
Mary Jane Girls. In My House.
Donna Summer. Last Dance.