Leaving No Child Behind- A Story of Life and Love in New York City

After such a tumultuous month, Parker and I decided that we were both in need of a vacation. With Double Dees and Cousin Rodesha along, I knew we would have some sort of a time and, well, we did.

New York, New York. Last year, Cousin Douglas and I went and he said that any relationship that can survive a trip to New York together is a relationship that has staying power.

I love to travel and New York City is my favorite travel destination (with Houston as a close second!). The trip provided Parker and I the magnifying glass our relationship needed and both Double Dees and Rodesha with enough laughs (often at my expense) to last at least until Christmas.

We stayed at the Sheraton, New York on 53rd Street and 7th Avenue. The hotel was a four-star steal, since we only paid $366 each for the flight and the two-night hotel stay.

We hit the shopping areas, walked the squares, and sampled the clubs (yeah, it is true… ATL black gay night life really is the best in the US.)

Here’s an abridged account of the trip:

#1- Parker had never been to New York. We took the subway to SoHo to get some True Religion Jeans. When we got on the train, it was crowded. Why Parker sat away from us, I don’t know, but when we stopped and everyone got off, he stayed on. Luckily I got back on, but by then, the train was off and we were separated. Truly, it is my job to leave no child behind.

#2- I waited for an entire year since being in New York to eat some fried macaroni and cheese from Chelsea’s The Cafeteria. Delicious again, the fried mac and cheese did not disappoint. However, the other food I ordered, did. I was starving and the order was messed up twice. When we left, I just grabbed a slice of pizza (or… um… two).

#3- Fantasia is truly amazing in The Color Purple. The play was really good, but it is Fantasia who makes the show! If you have not seen it and can make it before her Broadway run ends, it is worth your time and effort.

#4- On the way to the airport, after having a great weekend jaunt to New York, our cabbie decided to take a scenic view and make a little extra change off the tourists. I told him we were pressed to catch our flight and he told me to get my ass out of his cab. Yes, in the middle of Central Park, our cabbie kicked us out! Luckily, within minutes, another cab pulled up and took us to the airport. We made our flight with time to spare.

Again, the trip was great, but the nightlife left a lot to be desired. I just knew I’d take New York, but on second thought, you can have it. And I also thought I was going to take a bite out of the big apple, but after just checking my bank statement, I realized the big apple just took a bite out of me.

Damn, what another fine mess you’ve gotten yourself into this time, Corey!

No pot to piss in or window to throw it out of...

Black Gay Pride 2007 has come to pass, and like most things that mark this year, it was forgettable, and yes, in some cases regrettable.

The focus of the weekend really surrounded my roommate, Aaron.

Aaron.
Where in the world do I start? I have not really written more about Aaron lately because of the sensitive nature of our relationship. Things have been strained as he has become more engrossed in his relationship with Kali and I felt that it was best to simply keep my thoughts to myself. Well, this weekend things in that relationship, and in ours, came to a head.

Aaron and Kali fight. Beds have been splinted, eyes dotted, and faces scratched up. The relationship is parasitic. I doubt the genuineness of both parties and I can see fault in both parities. But Kali is not my friend. He rarely speaks and we have never had a true conversation in the six months he and Aaron have been together. He is not my concern. Aaron, however, is.

Kali is here a lot and that also bothers me.

The situation presents quite a dichotomy. I am a renter to Aaron and a friend.

As the homeowner, I don’t feel as though I should intervene. Aaron rents a room in my home and if he wants to keep his lover in his room six days and nights a week, who am I to comment? If he wants to beat the shit out of his houseguest and have his house guest beat the shit out of him, as long as walls are intact, why should I care? Its only when his actions affect me should I get involved, and to be honest, as a homeowner, I am rarely affected. Kali is almost nonexistent. He doesn’t speak and I barely even know he’s here.

But as a friend, I am devastated. To see someone I love in an unhealthy relationship is disturbing to say the least.

An example of this dysfunction- Kali was not here all weekend. It’s gay pride and he vanishes. He doesn’t return calls and he’s gone. All weekend, I watched Aaron pace and worry and fret. He did not leave the house. But suddenly, today, Kali’s back. I figured he would be. He has to get to work some how, and don’t believe the hype… Marta (Atlanta public transit) is not smarter.

Yeah, the whole scenerio sounds a mess to me, too.

I am resolved to stay out of this and I will. Sometimes you have to let go and let people learn for themselves. I am a protector. I am a big brother, and sometimes, deep in the throes of passion, a daddy. I love my friends and, sometimes to my detriment, will go to lengths to make sure they are okay… but not this time.

Well, its That Time of Year Again!

The world’s largest black gay pride event is here!

And this is what to do if you are visiting our fair city... Ignore the rest... This is the breakdown of how it goes down in the ATL for labor day...

Thursday Night- Everyone will be at Bulldogs, getting the weekend started. After 3 a.m. when the club closes, everyone will head to 708 to party till the wee-dawn!

Friday Night- Towers II Night Club is the spot! Everyone will crowd their black asses in their and burn the f*ck up….

Saturday - Brunch at American Roadhouse
Black Gay Film Festival at the Sheraton

Literary Cafe at the Sheraton (with Fredrick Smith- Check it out and buy the book, Down for Whatever! You won't be sorry!)
Falltacular Meet and Greet at Joe’s Crab Shack in Marietta
Shopping and Cruising at Lenox Mall

House Party at Dwayne Tharpe’s!

(If you are not invited, get with someone who is. He really knows how to throw a party!)
End the night with Traxx at their new location
Sunday- Lion’s Den party at Club Europe with annual fashion show! This is the one event on the list of things to do in Atlanta that I will not miss. It never fails to live up to its hype.

Parker's Coming Out!

It’s been six months and Parker and I are still going strong.

Parker is the cute, sexy twenty-one year old I met at Wal-Mart in February. Yes, he claims he is still into women (although he says he has not been with anyone other than me as of late) and no, we are not committed, but we have a wonderful relationship. I have been very resigned not to write about Parker because I somewhat feel as though I should not validate this unhealthy relationship with acknowledgement. But I have come to accept that I am enjoying the relationship and that I Parker has become a big part of my life. To each his own… um.. er.. maybe.

Parker has made great progress in regards to understanding himself and accepting himself lately. This past weekend, Jace (first-family cousin) had a birthday party/housewarming (on his rooftop I might add) and Parker actually wanted to go. He was apprehensive about the experience at first, but he had a wonderful time. He met all of my friends (i.e. first family) and he seemed well received (for the most part… thanks Uncle Ray).
As days go forward, I hope to see where things will go with Parker. I am still note expecting much and taking the situation at face value, but in this life of mine, you just never know.

A Sad Day in the Atlanta Sector of the Blogosphere!

I began blogging after reading an article in Southern Voice about C. Baptiste-Williams. The article focused on the best of Atlanta and Baptiste-Williams’ blog, HISstory was named a must-read blog. Well, I read the blog and realized that he offered a perspective and an insight I, and the world at large, needed. I then discovered his favorite blogs and the rest is history.

Well, today I read that C. Baptiste-Williams will be leaving Atlanta to return home to D.C. First Dayne Avery and now this…

At most parties and night spots I frequent, I am fortunate enough to see Baptiste-Williams. He gives you a little shade, trust me, but he will definitely be missed. Through his opionated, well-written, timely, and provocative writing, Baptiste-Williams has helped many appreciate Atlanta and understand the city I love.

I will miss his perspective on my city and on the events that link us Atlantans together. Things in Atlanta and in the Atlanta sector of the blogosphere will not be the same.

You Better Git Outta Our Park!

As reported in this week’s Southern Voice, the Midtown Ponce Security Alliance claims that the black gays and lesbians who converge on Piedmont Park on Sunday evenings are “a menace to society.”

As stated by the MPSA in the article:

"The black gay men and lesbians who have long gathered in Piedmont Park on Sunday evenings are probably the most dangerous ongoing situation we have encountered so far.”

And...

“The problem continues to escalate weekly, and we fear that if some concrete solutions are not found, someone will be seriously injured or even killed,” the MPSA newsletter states. “Needless to say, most regular park visitors are afraid to use this area of the park on Sunday evenings.”

As someone who has enjoyed several Sunday evenings in Piedmont Park, I am appalled. Rarely, if ever, have I witnessed any unruly or suspicious behavior. I cannot believe a group would be so bold as to say a public park, financed and maintained by public funds, should not allow or restrict people based on the color of their skin.

In Atlanta, white people are happy to have us at the table as long as we only comprise the customary 10% of the group. We are an acceptable token, but can never be allowed to be the majority. The people of the Midtown Ponce Alliance would clearly not even want to see us present.

Read the article and let me know what you think at http://www.sovo.com/2007/7-20/news/localnews/7239.cfm !

It’s Me, (X)itches… Happy Birthday, Uncle Mallory!

Last weekend the first family celebrated Uncle Mallory’s 30-somethingish birthday. Held at Uncle Gatsby's, the party was a virtual who's who of HOTlanta.

With ribs, beef brisket, and cakes, cakes, cakes, the first family celebrated in style. It is always the birthday party we remember, but its always the experience of pulling it off that warrants the story.

Cousin Douglas and Uncle Fe-Fe were the ringleaders for planning the party and they pulled it off without a hitch.

Held at Uncle Gatsby’s, Douglas and I had to help roll the floor (isn’t that a mess- a house with a saran-wrapped floor, but then again, the way these ATL queens throw ‘em back and spill tea, you gotta protect the floor), and decorate. With Doug’s keen eye for details, the tables were laid and the flower arrangement was BEAT. Uncle Gatsby, known for his killer parties, did not disappoint his fans.

The food was excellent- I am still craving those ribs with Uncle Fe-Fe’s Texas style sauce. Bay-Bay (as he would say), they show’ll (sp?) was good.

Well over 200 people showed up and stayed until the party ended. The true measure of your party’s success is when you have to tell people (politely, Uncle Gatsby, politely next time) to leave.

Yes, the party was a success. (Douglas, you laid this one out, cutie)

Uncle Gatsby with his over-the-top Martini glass (and I cannot recall Martini’s being served), Uncle Mallory’s birthday shirt (hand made with ROCK STAR beading) and mohawk (believe it or not, it was hot), and everyone else getting drunker than Cooter Brown (i.e. Dukes of Hazzard- don’t trip, you watched that racist shit), a fun time was had by all.
And I guess this weekend, we will do it all again at someone else’s house on someone else’s dime. You gotta love Atlanta. The party never ends.