Showing posts with label Xem Speaks~. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Xem Speaks~. Show all posts

Saturday, January 17, 2009

NEW Video: TOUCH [Affection]


There will ONLY be ONE More Post made here to BlogSpot; FOREVER.

For the past 2 and 1/2 months, I have been diligently working alongside GREG CHARLES GRAY and AMPLIFIED PIXEL DESIGNS, to complete the LayOut and Layered Content of the NEW Xem VanAdams WebSite/Blog.

FINALLY, the New Site is ready to LAUNCH!

This week, following the Inaugural Ceremonies and Festivities being held in our Nation's Capital, a HUGE PROMO Campaign, in part of EMERALD EYE ENTERTAINMENT will Ignite in Celebration of the New Locale.

I will NO LONGER be making Posts here on BlogSpot once the Promotional Video is Posted HERE this week.

Please PREPARE Yourselves to DELETE XemVanAdams.BlogSpot.com from your Blog Rolls, Widgets, DeskTop Favorites and Subscription Sheets.

Xem VanAdams will ONLY be Posting UpDates, Photos, News and Videos to the OFFICIAL NEW SITE.

Stay Tuned for the FINAL POSTING, This Week...

In The Meantime, PLEASE Continue to Show Your LOVE and SUPPORT on The Xem VanAdams MySpace, YouTube and FaceBook Pages.

SUBSCRIBE to ALL of the Xem VanAdams VIDEOS, and Send Friend Requests to MySpace and FaceBook IF you havent already.

XEM VanAdams
'Conquering The WORLD, One WORD At A Time'

Thursday, January 8, 2009

NEW Video: The MURDER of Oscar Grant


PART ONE

NEW Video: The MURDER of Oscar Grant


PART TWO
'Creation is Representation' [Xem; August 2008]

'Knowledge and Artistry ABOVE My own VANITY' [Xem; July 2008]

'Im Drenched in Love and Showered by Support'[Xem; April 2008]

'Life Without Photographs are Moments that Never Happened'
[Xem; August, 2007]

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Going On Hiatus...[In Desperate NEED]

I want to let ALL of My Socialites and Celebutantes across the Country know that I am taking a much Needed BREAK!


I have been Writing, Blogging, Filming, Editing, Posting and Promoting NON-STOP. Even while I was home for the Holidays, I did NOT truly RELAX and ENJOY the peace and sanctity of My Family and Friends the ways in which I wanted to.

As a result, I will NOT be Checking MySpace, FaceBook, YouTube or this Blog until Next Monday, January 12, 2009.

I will NOT be Approving Friend Requests, Comments and Notifications, nor will I be responding to Emails, Notes and other Messages. I will, however, APPROVE and RESPOND to ANYTHING that appears in my Inbox's from Last Night and this Morning. Otherwise, it will ALL HAVE to WAIT until Next Week.

In the meantime, PLEASE Visit The Official XEM VANADAMS YouTube Page and Watch and Subscribe to the Video Collection. Comment on ALL of The New Xem VanAdams Promo Photos that presently appear on FACEBOOK and MYSPACE.

ThankYou for helping the 2009 Video Premieres garner a combined total of 1500+ Views in the past 24-48 Hours. I Soooo Look FORWARD to continuing the Journey Next Week with the LAUNCH OF THE NEW XemVanAdams.com WEBSITE!

Until Next Time...

Conquering The WORLD, One WORD At A Time
REPOST:
Loft XVA 1 & 2 [2009 Video Premieres]


Sunday, January 4, 2009

2009 Video Premiere: Loft XVA#1


He LOVES You...He LUVS You NOT
A Xem VanAdams XcluSive
Just because You're In-Love with Someone, does NOT mean that You're 'SUPPOSE' to be with that Someone.
~A Life Lesson Learned

2009 Video Premiere: Loft XVA#2


RICHE$ to RAGZ
A Xem VanAdams XcluSive
In the confines of ANY romantic relationship, NEVER rely upon the Wallet, Bank Account and Wealth of another Man, in solidifying the stability of your Present or Future Livelihood.

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Standing On The Pulse Of A NEW Year


THANKYOU for Loving Me, Supporting Me, Encouraging Me and Sharing Me with The WORLD. Only GOD Knows What Comes NEXT...


'Creation is a Representation of Truth & Artistry' [Xem; August 2008]

'Knowledge and Artistry ABOVE My own VANITY' [Xem; July 2008]

'Im Drenched in Love and Showered by Support'[Xem; April 2008]

'Life Without Photographs are Moments that Never Happened'
[Xem; August, 2007]

Friday, December 5, 2008

Hands OFF My MAN! [Sloshy Whore]

Once upon a time, circa 2004, a very GOOD FRIEND of mine said, 'Xem, NEVER be SHOCKED by the things you see happen in our community; especially amongst the Men.'

It took years of experience prior to that statement, along with the mounds of experiences, situations and circumstances that comprised 2005 and 2006, for me to TRULY reach this phase in my life. Im at a point where I am able to examine life from a third person point of view; void of the vindictive, angry angst that once upon a time saturated my energy and spirit. Within the past year or so, Ive had a buddy in my life who has been extremely sad, distraught and beside himself. In 2007, a young man who he once befriended as a 'younger brother' type, as well as a confidante, STABBED HIM IN THE BACK, by dating, sleeping with and eventually moving in with his Ex-Boyfriend.


DISGUSTING! DISRESPECTFUL! DISHONORABLE!


I get flack for my opinions regarding the 'RULES of FRIENDSHIP'. However, it has ALWAYS been one of my Essential Rules to NEVER date, flirt-with, kiss, sleep with or be in constant communication with the Former Date, Side-Piece, Slosh Partner or EX-BOYFRIEND of someone who I consider to be a Friend. In My Opinion, ANYONE who one of your FRIENDS has ever been intimately and/or romantically involved with, is OFF LIMITS TO ME; Plain and Simple. I have been propositioned by Ex-Boyfriends of current Friends. I have been propositioned by Ex-Dates and Ex-Slosh Whores of current Friends. I have even been propositioned by Dudes who met me YEARS ago, through people who Im No Longer Friends with. STILL, Regardless of Circumstances; HORNY, ALONE, LONGING or feeling 'VINDICTIVE'...I Do Not have the Right to TAKE ADVANTAGE of these 'Opportunities'.

It KILLS ME to see individuals jump, without second thought, into 'Relationships' with someone who use to actually SLEEP-WITH one of their 'Friends'. There are a LOT of Miserable and Pathetic people in this world, ESPECIALLY within the younger, Gay community. YES, I said it. Somehow, these individuals dont STOP to REALIZE that the SAME WAYS in which the Ex was so Grimy to approach you with their Cruel Intentions, is the SAME WAY in which they will eventually approach one of your friends with the same. BLESSINGS will not hail over a union that is created in Pain, Jealousy, Lies and Deceit. There will always be PROBLEMS in existence that the couple is unable to 'Work-Through'. The issues will always seem LARGER and more INTRICATE than other relationships, in due part to the rocky, underhanded foundation.

One can not build solid walls upon shaky grounds.

I have ALWAYS made it PERFECTLY CLEAR to EVERYONE in My Life, that ANYONE and EVERYONE who Ive once Dated or been Involved with, is OFF-LIMITS. It may seem a bit territorial or controling. However, I am a very respectful individual. Regardless of my desires to sometimes, 'Be Bad', as an adult, I make the Best Decision to remain LOYAL unto the sanctity of my Friendship.

Romantic Relationships will ALWAYS Fizzle. When those moments present themselves, I ALWAYS want to be able to lay my head comfortably upon a circle of Friends who Loves and Supports me, eternally.

NOTICE:
Most of the Time, MEN and WOMEN who Sleep-With, Hook Up-With, Date and Move In-With their Friends' Former Lovers, often times, has NEVER had Close Friends, and More than Likely, NEVER WILL.

Monday, December 1, 2008

TIPSY. and PARANOID.

While the Theme Song of My ThanksGiving Weekend has DEFINITELY been one of Kanye West's new rhythmic masterpieces, PARANOID, I cant help but to ADMIT that I am NOT ready to board this damn plane within the next few hours.

You all KNOW that I ventured home to Baltimore Wednesday night, as to SURPRISE my family. They weren't expecting me until December 20th, a la, The Christmas Season. Ive been EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE here in Baltimore for the past four or five days...and maybe just a little too comfortable. Being BACK reminds me of the distractions that kept me from remaining so extremely FOCUSED and ON-TASK as it pertains to forging my career forward. However, despite ALL of the Good Food, Pampering and Impromptu Lunches and Movies with Friends, I HAVE managed to REPLY to ALL of my Emails, FaceBook, MySpace, YouTube and IM Messages from across the country.

ALL of these activities were of course soundtracked by Kanye's PARANOID record. It isnt necessarily the Lyrics of the record that have enveloped my spirit and listening ear. Its moreso the UpTempo, Pulsating Beat that Kept Me pressing PLAY...every 3 Minutes and 42 Seconds.

LP!
[Laughing Profusely]
Last night, while watching The Britney Spears: For The Record Documentary on MTV, alongside my sister, I had a few glasses of Wine. I have not had any wine in the past two or three weeks, to be Honest. I become so fixated and consumed by all of the filming, editing, writing, posting, promoting and responding that I do seem to FORGET to schedule, XEMMY TIME.

I LOVE the way wine makes me feel...Relaxed, Artistic & Tipsy.

When Im Tipsy, I tend to think about People, Situations, Circumstances and Life Existence in ways in which I DONT when Im SOBER. Often times, the BEST and Most Creative Ideas come to mind when I've had a few cocktails. I was actually so ALIVE last night, that following the Britney Spears Documentary; which did NOT 'Tell-All', as it was promoted to do, I elected to CALL some of you who have been texting me for the past 6 Months.

It was sorta FUNNY, because my Private Number is Different from my Public Number, and people were NOT expecting to Ever hear from Me. I found it to be so FUNNY because you ALL know how I sound, and Ive only ever read your Comments, Emails, IMs and Texts. I had pretty SIN.Sational, 5-10 minute conversations with some of My Socialites and Celeb.U.Tantes.


Also, reigning in the TOP spot of this weekend's, ThanksGiving, Holiday Box-Office, is the Holiday Comedy that DEFINITELY had Me in Tears; FOUR CHRISTMASES. Starring Academy Award Winning Actress, Reese Witherspoon, alongside 'Funny-Man' Vince Vaughn, the film garnered an estimated $46.7 Million Dollars for its five day total. STELLAR!
The film made me REALIZE just how Intricate it can be, in accomodating the likes of Family, when you're involved in an Intimate, Long-Term Relationship. UGH*...Am I Honestly Ready?
Two of my friends took me to see the film in downtown Baltimore, at the newly opened, LandMark Theatre. Plush Leather Stadium Seating, Wide Screens and Cocktails for Sale made the experience Ultra-Sweet. I was even spotted by two of my Baltimore Socialites, and I was so Happy to meet them In-Person.

Meanwhile, Ive yet to peep this Twilight project that seems to be ALL-THE-RAGE on the Big-Screen right now. Having garnered $120 Million within the past few weeks, this project has received an array of Critical and Commercial Buzz. Starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, the project is already on its way to becoming a Cult-Like Classic. Im going to TRY and see it in Burbank by the END of this Week.
SOCIALITES & CELEB.U.TANTES, PLEASE Continue to SHARE My Videos and Blog with ALL of Your Friends, Associates, Co-Workers, Family Members, Classmates, Boyfriends, Girlfriends and EVERYONE inbetween. As viewership steadily increases Monthly, Im looking for it to Increase, Weekly, up until January 1, 2009.
I have a LOT of Sin.Sational Posts and Video Topics geared for the New Year.
I WILL ALSO Keep You Posted on a few New Opportunities that have already presented themselves, and that are Up and Coming this Month for XEM VanADAMS!



Friday, November 28, 2008

The 'STRAIGHT DUDE' Disclaimer [No Homo]

When Straight Dudes Say. ".........................."
Im DEFINITELY filming my next Video regarding this topic since only 500- 700 of you read my Blog Daily, and 1500-2000 on average watch each Video. THANKYOU to those of you who will READ these contents, as oppose to Waiting for the Movie.
LP! [Laughing Profusely]
Lately, Ive been receiving quite a bit of MAIL from 'Straight/HeteroSexual' Dudes. I welcome and appreciate ALL of the comments, responses and opinions that are sent to me from EVERYONE across the country. HOWEVER, it truly ANNOYS me when the 'Straight' Dudes feel the NEED to ALWAYS begin their messages with the DISCLAIMER.....
'Shorty, I Dont Swing that Way, BUT....'
or
'No Homo Shit, BUT....'
always then, followed by a compliment and 'understanding' of something I posted here on this site, or something I may have said in one of my videos regarding the LGBT community, and the Struggles we face. It's sometimes even FUNNY to me how the Dudes who I write with/work with Day to Day, will say, 'Im not trynna be Gay, BUT...What kind of Cologne U Wearing?'
SERIOUSLY, WHY Do 'Straight Dudes' feel the NEED to often times, SECURE their Sexual Identity, by delivering the 'VERBAL DISCLAIMER' before offering another man a compliment?
It KILLS ME that young boys are raised in society to BELIEVE that as an Alpha Male, he is NOT allowed to feel that another man is attractive, and/or, verbally express such. WOMEN are NOT the only species who find other women knowingly attractive. DUDES KNOW when another man is physically appealing, and it does NOT border along the lines of Homosexual desires.
Accordingly, to All of My 'STRAIGHT DUDE' readers, IT IS OKAY FOR YOU TO FEEL COMPASSION FOR THE STRUGGLES OF GAY MEN, without feeling as if you are admitting or acknowledging Same-Sex feelings.
Society has taught young men, from childhood, the Rules and Regulations regarding Sexual Identity. One of those rules, Unfortunately, is that 'STRAIGHT DUDES' dont associate with 'GAY DUDES', and they definitely DON'T offer 'Those Men' compliments, accolades and/or support. I REALIZE that my 'STRAIGHT DUDE' readers and viewers aren't intentionally being Offensive. I REALIZE that they are simply acting off of their embedded teachings, values and upbringings. I simply think its RIDICULOUS that across the board, ESPECIALLY amongst my Black and Latino viewership, I receive a plethora of DISCLAIMERS at the beginning of such commentary and response.
Eh man
I just watched your video about the word Faggot. I dont swing that way but I have a cousin who do and I always had to defend him growing up. we live in Charlotte and people are simply afraid of what they do not understand, this society is full of hypocrisy. keep up the good work. im gonna show ur stuff to my cousin. one luv.
Xem, my name is Thomas and I graduated from Clark, Atlanata Univ. Im not gay or anything, but one of my best friends watches your videos all of the time, and she shared your Young Black and Gay series with me. Man, I was so impressed with your strength and confidence. You are a brave men to stand up in support of gay men everywhere. Im 25 and grew up knowing that my uncle is gay. Everyone in the family knew that he was gay because he always brought his lover with him to holiday events, and they lived together as 'roommates'. My mother told me that he was gay, but my father and the rest of the family never discussed it. They are still together now. I have so much respect for him, and you as well, even though Im not gay. Keep doing what you're doing, I know you're helpung alot of people.

See What I Mean? I receive at least three messages, per day, from 'STRAIGHT DUDES' who use these 'DISCLAIMERS'.
...and, IF you search YouTube, under the heading, NO HOMO, you will find an array of videos of Young, Black 'STRAIGHT DUDES' exuding 'Homo Erotic' behaviors, and attempting to 'PROTECT THEMSELVES' with the entire, 'NO HOMO' headings.

EXHIBIT A

EXHIBIT B

I Have So MUCH to Say In My Next Video!

Im actually going to Film it HERE in BALTIMORE

Before Departing for LA, Sunday

ENJOY THE WEEKEND

Socialites & Celeb.U.Tantes!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

NEW Video: FAGGOT.



Once again, with ALL of Your Unyielding means of LOVE and SUPPORT, I have reached yet another plateau in this journey.

As of yesterday, November 19, 2008, The Xem VanAdams YouTube Page, in care of
EMERALD EYE ENTERTAINMENT, reached our goal of 1,000 SUBSCRIBERS!

Initially, we set a Long Term Goal to reach 1,000 Subscribers by My February 17th BirthDay.

We've ACHIEVED this feat 3 Months Early.

THANKYOU for Standing AlongSide Me...
My Brothas and Sistas!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

VOTE in The Name of VICTORY!

HOPE. CHANGE. PROGRESS. OBAMA

written by XEM VanAdams-Lumumba
It's one thing to sit in an elementary school classroom, learning about American History. It's one thing to lay in a college dorm room studying it between the edited lines of a text. It's often times frustrating trying to understand it all; maintaining Dates, Facts and Circumstances to pass high school assessment exams.
Its another to actually LIVE and EXPERIENCE American History Unfold.
Its the Frame of our modern day existence and an Illustration of Societal accord.
What a Wonderful and Fulfilling, Once-In-A-LifeTime experience that our children have, to be able to watch a Black Man, Senator Barack Obama, stand on the eve of being elected as the 44th President of The United States of America. His prophecy has been guided in the direction of molding an entire generation of Naysayers, Quitters and those who have lost their Hope. Through Trial, Tribulation and Triumph, Barack Obama has already reshaped the outlook of Promise; one that for so long, had appeared so Dark and Dim upon the Horizons. He is a man who has taken on the stance of our contemporary savior; a political blend of social stature, cross-cultured influence and economic ease. He is a Leader of great Spirit, and for this experience, we are ALL, undoubtedly Grateful.
Today's Election is Historical in that for the FIRST time in the HISTORY of My GENERATION, a sense of Unity above Divide, has been restored in the Faith that people are carrying on their shoulders; Young and Old alike. I give praise to God for allowing me to see this day, alongside the presense of My Grandmothers, My Brother and Sister, My Parents, Aunts & Uncles, Lifelong Friends, God-Family and extended circle.
May we ALL, through Life and Limb, hold a Torch to Truth; receiving our Daily Breads of Fulfillment and Forward Movement. I shed tears in the knowledge and know-how of a GOD who is the only Spirit, in all of his Glory, responsible for this Day.
VOTE in the Name of VICTORY!

'Creation is Representation' [Xem; August 2008]

'Knowledge and Artistry ABOVE My own VANITY' [Xem; July 2008]

'Im Drenched in Love and Showered by Support'[Xem; April 2008]

'Life Without Photographs are Moments that Never Happened'

[Xem; August, 2007]

Stepping OUT on FAITH.

Photo by Xem VanAdams(c)2008
The below listed Post is a response that I submitted recently to the Editor-In-Chief of a Well Known and Highly Regarded BlogSite that caters to the African American audience. In paragraph format, candidates were asked to respond to an Advertisement for an Open Features Editor Position. I wanted to SHARE this with ALL of you, for I just this evening received a POSITIVE, follow-up response from their publishing team.
Photo by Xem VanAdams(c)2008

As we sit on the pulse of electing the first, Black President of the United States, my sense of hope, combined with my faith in achieving all that I have struggled to attain in the past ten years has been resurrected. Hailing from my stomping grounds of Baltimore, Maryland, I moved here to Los Angeles, California, six months ago, in pursuit of fulfilling a lifelong career as a full-time, media writer. Driving across country for three days, with a car filled with clothes, my computer, a camera and my personal journal, I embarked upon this life phase of trial and triumph. Sitting alone in my tiny, 2006, black, Chevy Cobalt, I knew that God had taken the wheel. In May of 2008, I received an invitation to my ten year, high school reunion. As I placed the seal on the RSVP mailer, confirming my attendance, plus one, I also decided against sealing my fate as a 'shoulda-coulda-woulda' thirty something in the years to come. Two weeks later, I resigned from my fifty thousand dollar a year job, working as a Therapeutic Behavioral Specialist. I decided to pursue happiness as oppose to material comfort, reclaiming the essence of my lifelong dreams.

As a graduate of the Towson University School of Electronic Media and Film, as well as the Founder and Creative Director of Emerald Eye Entertainment, my desire to illustrate the world through the power of my pen, continues to frame my daily existence. Launched in September of 2007, my public blog has stood as a testament to my commentary, critiques and opinions regarding pop culture, entertainment, politics and social relations. Spanning the spectrum of people, places and some'things', I pride myself on using the written word as a platform to share ideas, facts and points of view that are fair, but not always universally accepted. My ability to translate the in and out happenings of contemporary society, into a vivid array of sharp and featured stories, gives me the freedom to be edgy and yet, accurate in my approach. My controlled obsession with album sales, blockbuster reviews, and red carpet banter, contributes to my lifestyle of consumption, review and public production.

Presently employed as a full-time writer for The Hitt Music Group, located in West Hollywood, California, my daily responsibilities include writing biographies for up and coming artists, bands and musicians who are seeking development and distribution deals. While this experience allows me the privilege to follow my writing passions on a daily basis, I most enjoy being able to walk the line of innovation. I love using the basic, career oriented information that has framed a musician's background and turning it into a story that not only sells the music, but also the personality and drive of the artist as well. As I have recently written and posted a blog review of John Legends most recent LP, Evolver, it brought me great pleasure to not only focus upon the stellar material of this most recent compilation, but to also reflect upon the vintage, soul sound that has defined John Legends illustrious career. I've always been mezmerized by witnessing the growth and maturation of individuals; highlighting the points at which they garnered new levels of acclaim. I think my love for Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Keyshia Cole, Lenny Kravitz, Will Smith and other industry favorites has everything to do with their personal evolution. Artistically and stylistically, I respect and envelop change. As I have followed the likes of Concrete Loop, AOL Voices, Young-Black & Fabulous, Media TakeOut, Clay Cane and a slew of other online forums over the past few years, I have been inspired by their ability to maintain a cross-genre audience. Responsible journalism that is reported in a fun, intriguing and dare-to-be-different format, is always the staple of future promise, power and prestige.

I am in search of turning over the next stone that paves this continued journey that Im traveling. As a young, black writer who has always been inspired by those who have paved the way for me to speak my truth and solidify my voice in mainstream society, I feel that I am on the pulse of influence. I launched a YouTube page on 8/8/2008, in association with my year old blog, which has garnered a collective 87,000 views to date. The success of the project has led me to the realization that there are thousands of people in the world whose whispered and muted voices can still be represented by those of us who possess the confidence and strength to take the platform. My God given gifts of vocal prowess and the written word, have blessed me with opportunites to shatter glass ceilings, one chip at a time.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

NEW Video: SEX and The SIDEKICK



'Creation is Representation' [Xem; August 2008]

'Knowledge and Artistry ABOVE My own VANITY' [Xem; July 2008]

'Im Drenched in Love and Showered by Support'[Xem; April 2008]

'Life Without Photographs are Moments that Never Happened'
[Xem; August, 2007]

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

ThankYou Socialites & Celeb.U.Tantes!

Photobucket


I'm simply taking the time to THANK each of You, for being so EXTREMELY SUPPORTIVE of My Mission and My Artistic Journey. The YouTube Page Videos have already garnered 67,000 Views, collectively, as I am nearing my 500 SubScriber Mark. It is My GOAL to have 1,000 SubScribers by my FEBRUARY 17th BirthDay.

PLEASE, If you DONT already have a YouTube Page, simply CREATE ONE in order to SubScribe to My Videos. HELP ME Meet the 1,000 SubScriber Mark by February 17, 2009; which is roughly 4 months away. This means that I ONLY NEED 125 SubScribers, Per Month from NOW...Until.

The Commentary and FeedBack that each of you shares with me in Emails, MySpace Messages, FaceBook Notes and even HERE, on My BLOG, is so very FulFilling to EACH Day I live here in Los Angeles, California. Im Chasing my Dreams at Full-Force, and each of you aids in my Strength and Courage to continue pressing Forward.

PLEASE Share My VIDEOS with ALL of Your Friends. DONT Keep ME a SECRET.
Literally, compile ALL of your email address' together, and send a MASS EMAIL to EVERYONE you know, with the URL to My YouTube Page and This BLOG, attached. I NEED YOUR HELP in Xposing Xem VanAdams to the rest of the World! You're probably LAUGHING right now, but I am So DEAD SERIOUS.

I Can Tell that MANY of you HAVE been spreading the word, gracefully, for Ive been receiving about 50-60 new Friend Requests on MySpace, Daily. ALL of the messages, for the most part, are attached with notes, stating that the individual has seen My YouTube Videos and/or My Blog. So...it makes me feel so GOOD to KNOW that yall REALLY DO Love and Appreciate What I Do, as MUCH as I Love Doing it.

I want to continue to use my voice to Change and Influence the Lives of those Who Stand Beside Me, Walked Before Me, and MOSTLY...for those Who are Following Behind. I FEAR for the Lives of the Next Generation, and those are the ones who reach out to me Most Often. Even when I THINK Ive run out of things to discuss on camera, I receive a message that REMINDS ME of what I should be sharing, Globally.


.THANK EACH OF YOU for being My INSPIRATION.


Saturday, October 11, 2008

The Grass Always LOOKS Greener...

I think we ALL Suffer from the notion, Every-NOW-and-AGAIN, of ASSUMING that someone else's life is EASIER, HAPPIER, CALMER, LESS-DRAMATIC, and plain old BETTER than that of our own.

Each of us is GUILTY of judging other individuals, on the physical sense, and creating, in our minds, the framework that keeps their everyday 'Steady'. It isnt simply CELEBRITIES on a National and Global scale whose Grass we ASSUME is Greener. The concept and notion of judgement hits CLOSER to Home. Im SURE you have found yourself sizing Up a Classmate, Co-Worker, Associate or Friend-of-a-Friend, saying to yourself, 'I Sure Wish I had His...or...I Know She has a Lot of...'

What we, as Humans, must begin to REALIZE is that there is ALWAYS one particular element that is MISSING from someone else's life that they too would TRADE what You may deem as Golden. People look at me, often, and ASSUME that everything in my life is PERFECT and WELL, all of the time.

Maybe it's because MOST individuals havent peered beyond the Grass and Golden Gates behind which I stand; in Real Life. DONT be FOOLED by the Photos and Videos.

I am 3,000 Miles AWAY from my Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, Grandmothers, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, GodParents and LifeLong Friends. Yes, I may live in North Hollywood Now, BUT Im living in a 650 Sq. Ft., Studio Apartment, and paying TWICE as much for rent, than I paid living in Owings Mills, Baltimore. I can NO Longer eat out 2-3 times per week, as I once did, 5 months ago, on The East Coast. YES, I am FINALLY being paid to write professionally. However, my benefits arent nearly as standard as those that MANY of my friends benefit from. I am HERE, in California, Chasing my Dreams at Full Force. Though many may admire my Drive and Ambition, Please KNOW that there are PLENTY of moments where for a Second, just being able to go to the mall with a friend, and Shoot the Shit for an hour, in the Food Court, looks GREENER to Me, than This Blog, My YouTube Page, My Job at The Hitt Music Group, and/or The local 'Fame'. However, whereas I am in daily contact with those of you who are able to ENJOY the Simple Frames of Face-to-Face Friendship, I do just about EVERYTHING, Alone.

EVERYTHING in Life Comes with a PRICE. Someone else in your Direct or InDirect Space may drive a Fancy car, have 2 Degrees, a 6 Figure Job, and a 3-Story Home. However, their Mother may be dead, they may long to have children and cant, as well as the Fact that they have NEVER fallen in Love. For that individual, the Mother of Two, who lives in a 2 bedroom apartment, making $30,000 a year, alongside her Blue Collar Boyfriend, may look GREENER.

Be BLESSED for what God has bestowed upon you, Individually. The Grass that Looks Greener isnt always as easy to Cut.


'Creation is Representation' [Xem; August 2008]

'Knowledge and Artistry ABOVE My own VANITY' [Xem; July 2008]

'Im Drenched in Love and Showered by Support'[Xem; April 2008]

'Life Without Photographs are Moments that Never Happened'[Xem; August, 2007]

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Dear Mothers...LOVE Your GAY Sons







'Knowledge and Artistry ABOVE My own VANITY' [Xem; July 2008]

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Dressed in DRAG. Stripped of FEMININITY?

Dressed in DRAG. Stripped of FEMININITY?
Commentary by
Xem VanAdams-Lumumba
Photos by

We are living in a Day and Time where GAY and HETEROSEXUAL Men are leaving their dwellings, daily, Dressed in a Mainstream, 'Culturally-Identifying' DRAG. Its the Baggy Jean, Fitted Cap, Unlaced Sneaker, Roped-Neck kinda DRAG that is 'SUPPOSE' to smother the Flames of Femininity. The smoke that rises from this attire is meant to fill the air with a Sense of Hyper-Masculinity, and an aura of 'ManHood'.
DRAG is practiced by people of ALL Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities. It's considered to be any outfit or costume worn that carries symbolic significance. Western Civilization has glued the term to the existence of Gay men and women who dress in clothing that is originally created for the opposite sex. HOWEVER, in its TECHNICAL sense, DRAG has become a contemporary form of masquerading Pain, Sorrow, Struggle, Sacrifice and Personal TRUTH.

Often times, ESPECIALLY amongst the GAY community, our young men have been so SATURATED by the physical exterior of how a MAN in Black Society is suppose to look. As a result, many of us spend our Teenage years, and often times, early college years, trying to HIDE the internal struggles of dealing with our Sexuality, under external clothing that is representative of the 'Everyday, Stereotypical, Black male.'

The Larger and Baggier the Clothing, The Larger and Baggier the ISSUES that our young men are battling.

Our young men are being taught by their peers, the media, and even amongst their brothers and sisters that fitted clothing is 'GAY', and that wearing 'Too Much Color' is even 'GAY.er'

In looking at The most recent Sean John ADS, where NELLY is posed as the most recent Poster-Boy for Sean John Underwear, in No photos do you see Nelly posed WITHOUT his BAGGY, BLUE JEANS; exposing the fitted 'comfort' of the Brief and Boxer-Brief Underwear.

NEVER do you see WHITE or ITALIAN Ad Campaigns for Underwear, where the Male Models are wearing pants on top of the Undergarments. HOWEVER, in the BLACK COMMUNITY, especially, its 'GAY' to even wear Fitted Underwear. 'MEN' wear Boxers, or Loose-Fitted Boxer Briefs with 'PLENTY OF ROOM in the FRONT'. Even amongst the NBA, where the MAJORITY of players are Black Men, over the years, Basketball shorts continue to get Longer and Baggier, with every passing season. Black Men are AFRAID of fitted clothing, in FEAR of being LABELED as GAY.

...as our young boys play witness to these IMAGES, which saturate their daily lives, they begin to IDENTIFY themselves, by the DRAG they wear, as to 'Fit-In' and avoid the Chastizing and GAY Labels.
STYLE is a Major form of Self-Xpression. GAY nor HeteroSexual young men of our Society, of early teen years through adulthood, should feel the NEED to dress in DRAG, as to 'avoid' confrontation in the classroom or on the streets.

I am 5'8-145 pounds, and I am PROUD to be able to fit SMALL T-shirts, SMALL Sweaters, and size 31 Jeans.

'Creation is Representation' [Xem; August 2008]

'Knowledge and Artistry ABOVE My own VANITY' [Xem; July 2008]

'Im Drenched in Love and Showered by Support'[Xem; April 2008]

'Life Without Photographs are Moments that Never Happened'[Xem; August, 2007]

Monday, September 29, 2008

Tops UP, Bottoms DOWN.

Tops UP-Bottoms DOWN
Commentary by
Xem VanAdams-Lumumba
Have you ever paid attention to the FACT that amongst the Gay community, MANY of us tend to Chastize, Ridicule and Label young, men who play the 'Bottom, Passive Role' as SLUTS, quicker and easier than we do the SAME young, promiscuous men who play the 'Top, Aggressive Role'?
As far as I am concerned, a Promiscuous man is a Promiscuous man, regardless of the Sexual Role that he plays in the bedroom, or car, or dimly lit park alongside Druid Hill, in Baltimore.
LP!-Laughing Profusely
[I Digress]
Ive noticed that many of my Male Friends and Associates alike, tend to judge the sexual behaviors of Bottom Boys, a lot more harshly than those who classify themselves as 'Strict Tops'. SERIOUSLY. I HATE to make this comparison, BUT it's almost as Negative and UnFair as the Freshman girl in High School who gains the reputation of being a WHORE for sleeping with the Senior Classmen, and yet, the Senior Classmen continue to garner Accolades, Praise and Machismo Browny points for FUCKING as many of the Freshman girls as he can before Graduation.
There's a Gay Blogger who has become INFAMOUS for his tales of being a 'STRICT TOP', who has conquered the likes of 'Bottom-Boys' across New York City and Beyond. I happen to LOVE his writing style, as well as his Blunt and Abrasive telling and recount of the 'MANY' young men who have stained and experienced pleasured pains beneath his sheets. I think many of his readers get a Thrill from his amusing tales of Catch and Conquer, for he's sharing them from the Point of View of a young man who is the Aggressor; hence, a reflection of societal acceptance of Masculinity and Sexual Prowess. He represents the Black, Male-Brute; whom many attribute a long line of more severe, negative Stereotypes, regarding the Black Male, Globally.
My FEAR, is that MANY of our young men of the community, are also adapting the notion that their Promiscuous behavior is Sexy, Appealing and Acceptable, for as long as they are acting as the Penetrator, as oppose to the Penetrated. The detriments in such a Thought Process, is the FACT that with this ideology, also stems the notion that the behavior is SAFE, and therefore, regarded in engagement, without the use of a Condom or any other form of Sexual Protection.
Meanwhile, the Young Men who PREFER to be Penetrated, are NOT given the same leverage and freedom, in feeling sanctioned, in their promiscuous behavior; moreso because of the passive role they play, beneath their mates. We JUDGE the 'BOTTOMS' in the Gay Community, as being inferior, in comparison to their 'TOP' counterparts. Even in 'PLAY', we will joke with our friends by saying such things as,
'Shut Up U Sloshy Bottom'...or 'Fuck U, U Lil Bottom Whore.'
The term BOTTOM is used in a Derogatory manner, as to create a clear margin of seperation between the varying Sexual roles of our community.

I think MANY of us are also STILL associating the 'TOP' as this extremely HyperMasculine, Man, whose Bravado and Style are a reflection of the Hip-Hop mainstream, and Urban Trademark of 'Acceptance'. Accordingly, we associate the 'BOTTOM' with extremely Effiminate qualities that are suppose to reflect a sense of Weakness and Passive-Submissive behaviors.

It has become abrasively OBVIOUS to Me that the younger generation of Gay, Black, Males arent as 'COMFORTABLE' in declaring their Sexual Role. Now, more than ever before, EVERYONE labels themselves as VERSATILE, or VERSATILE-TOP/VERSATILE-BOTTOM. Im wondering if the 14-24 generation even exists in relationships where they ALWAYS play the same role in the bedroom, alongside their Boyfriends/Lovers/Friends/Fucks. I wonder if dudes in High School and Early College STILL ask, 'Are You a Top, or Are You a Bottom?' Im ASSUMING that dudes just enter into their 'Situations' as Versatile 'Performers'.

LP!

I'm personally ANNOYED by dudes who claim to have NEVER been penetrated, and then go on to declare that they will NEVER allow themselves to be penetrated. For me, YES, I allowed my Ex-Boyfriend to penetrate me, because I Loved him. There were no real boundaries in our relationship. Though Ive never allowed anyone else to get that close to me, and I dont particularly enjoy the feeling, I DO Believe that each of us has the ability to be SUBMISSIVE to a man who we TRULY Love. I think its almost necessary in order to determine, which role is PREFERED. Though I have a Strong, fairly Aggressive personality, I DO BELIEVE that IF I fell 'In-Love' again, at some point in my life, I WOULD be Open to the idea of being Submissive to my man. In return, even IF he was an Old School 'STRICT-TOP', I do Xpect that he WOULD allow me to do MORE with his ASS than to simply grab hold of it during intercourse.

I have Friends who entered their relationships as 'The Bottom', and naturally, over time, wanted to Explore OTHER territory. Their man wont allow them to Eat His Ass or anything that even comes Close. For Me, I could NEVER be in a relationship with a Man who would NOT allow me to Eat His Ass. Its my FAVORITE treat. Id prefer that over ANYTHING else, sexually. Seriously. I can MUNCH for HOURS...Well, for an Hour.

Im AFRAID that the Men in our community who are declaring 'STRICT TOP' Status, are the ones who Privately THINK that they are PRIZED because their Ass/Hole has never been Touched. Its So RIDICULOUS how WE, GAY Men, place Titles and Labels on Every Damn Thing we Say, Do, Wear, Touch, See, Smell, Hear and Know...

Do You THINK and/or FEEL that BOTTOMS in our community or even the Label, 'BOTTOM' is Inferior in comparison to TOPS or the Label 'TOP'?


'Creation is Representation' [Xem; August 2008]

'Knowledge and Artistry ABOVE My own VANITY' [Xem; July 2008]

'Im Drenched in Love and Showered by Support'[Xem; April 2008]

'Life Without Photographs are Moments that Never Happened'[Xem; August, 2007]

Saturday, September 27, 2008

LOVE Gone WRONG in Year ONE.

Why Does 1 Year seem like 10 in Gay Relationships?
'We've been Together for a Year.
Even though Im Sick of His Shit, I Love Him til Death'
"The minute you SETTLE for less than you deserve
you get even less than you SETTLE for"
**************************************************************
He Sits Home ALL Day on My Computer, while Im at Work.
I Let Him Drive My Car, even though He Picks Me Up Late.
...He NEVER Has Money to Fill Up the Gas Tank.
He does Not Cook or Clean the House while He's Home.
Oh, Yea...I Let Him Move In with Me by Month 3 of Us Being Together.
...He had NoWhere else to Go.
We Fight All of the Time. I Dont Want to Press Charges.
I Found him on Black Gay Chat and/or Adam4Adam.
He uses My WebCam while Im Asleep.
I Pay his Cell Phone Bill, Car Note and Insurance.
He's Very Affectionate, so I Know He DOES Love Me...RIGHT?
I DONT KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO.
I cant even begin to explain how often I hear these SAME, Pathetic Lines from MANY of my Brothas across the country. Most recently, I ran into my Ex-Boyfriend here in Los Angeles. He's the same Ex-Boyfriend I was involved with for Four years in Baltimore, between 2001 and 2005. As he and I have begun to build a Friendship, void of past hurt and previous pains, he has become 'Comfortable' sharing the details of his current relationship with Me. I listen, in support of his woes, ESPECIALLY because he doesnt have many friends here in California. He has always been an emotional Mess who depends upon the comforts and confines of a relationship, to solidify his levels of Peace and Happiness. I Love Him Dearly and think that he is an extremely Talented, Attractive and Nurturing individual. I just DONT seem to UNDERSTAND how in three years, he has only managed to 'Fall-in-Love' with dudes who Dont Work, Dont Go to School, Dont have Transportation, a Place to Live, and yet, have Criminal Backgrounds, and Little to Nothing, OVERALL, to bring to the Table...

People ask Me just about DAILY, Why I am 'Still-Single'. I quickly tell them ALL that at this point in my life, as I am in pursuit of fulfilling ALL of my career goals and aspirations, I am NOT going to ruin the sanctity of my Peace, by jumping head-first into a relationship, with a Dude whose 'Drama' is only going to disturb my Focus. Ive come too far, Mentally, Spiritually and Emotionally, in the past three years, to simply fall off path, NOW. IF I am going to Call Someone my Boyfriend, Lover, Man or Husband, he is going to HAVE to fill that Role to its Maximum Capacity.

Im NOT putting up with the BullShit that MANY of My Brothas CHOOSE TO.

My Ex-Boyfriend is dating a young man who is 25 years old. They met a year ago, here in Los Angeles. Lets call the Dude, EUGENE. EUGENE has a Firey Temper, that even his Best Friends WARNED my Ex about, within the first few weeks of them dating. Eugene and my Ex have been in SEVERAL Physical Altercations over the past Year, to the point of Police being called. Eugene does NOT have a job, and has not worked the ENTIRE time he and my Ex have been together. He DOES, however, take classes at a local Beauty School, so My ex tells Me. Eugene does NOT drive, has commited some level of Murder/Assault in the past, and LIED to My Ex in the very beginning, regarding his 'Have Status'. A 'Have Status', meaning, his Credentials.

Once he found out that My Ex is a Graphic Designer/Photographer, he LIED about his Career, Car, Apartment and Education Level. My Ex was VULNERABLE and Tired of being 'ALONE' here in California. Since Eugene fit the 'Short, Lite-Skin, PrettyBoy' prototype that attracts My Ex to any boy standing, Eugene was able to STICK AROUND, in spite of his Lies and Xaggerated Tales.

It's a Year Later. When my Ex and I were hanging out two weeks ago, he and Eugene were 'Broken-Up'. Eugene had packed his bags, hopped on an airplane, and went to visit family on the East Coast. Apparently, Eugene breaks up with My Ex once a month, for situations that include, My Ex not being able to answer the phone to talk to him while he's at work. Eugene will get pissed off if My Ex does not stay on the phone with him while My Ex is Home in Baltimore, around his Family or Friends, visiting. Eugene wants to Fight if My Ex questions him about his phone, Though, Eugene goes through My Ex's Text Messages and Voicemails, Daily. Yea...Like, Totally UnHealthy and Ridiculous, Right? My Ex recently bought a New Car, and Eugene was HEATED because he did not have a say in what Type of car My Ex purchased.

I REPEAT: Eugene does NOT Work or Contribute Financially to the Relationship, at all.

I Know My Ex is a Loving, Gentile Individual whose weakness is being able to be ALONE, without feeling LONELY. However, it TRULY Bothers Me to see him SETTLE for far LESS than he DESERVES. It IRRITATES ME to the High Heavens to watch ALL of My Brothas SETTLE for these Young, Misguided, Young Men who bring NOTHING to the table, aside from their Selfish Antics, Insecurities, Lies, Deception and Violent, Child-like Angst.

WHY are so MANY of YOU putting Up with it? I CANT, for the Life of Me, UNDERSTAND WHY yall arent just Dating One Another. WHY NOT Date on your Same Age and Maturity Level?

For Me, I DONT PERSONALLY CARE If a Dude has a Car or a Lot of Money.

HOWEVER, he SHOULD be able to buy ALL of his basic necessities (Deoderant, Soap, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Underwear), as well as be able to treat ME to dinner, skating, a drink, etc. every so often. IF he is in school, FULL-TIME, I Can Excuse him not having money, even though when I was in college, I saved my money, and didnt have to ask My Ex for ANYTHING...EVER.

IF You are waking up, EVERYDAY at 6am/7am, leaving out of the house to make a living, Your 'MAN'/House-Boy/BoyFriend, should be doing the SAME. IF He is NOT Working Full-Time, he NEEDS to be enrolled in some type of Training or Certification course. College Sucks Balls, and I HATED every day of the Six Years I spent going. College does not work out for everyone, BUT...Your 'Boo' should be receiving Classroom Skills, of some form, in some area of Interest.

ADULT MEN, in 90%-100% Health, should NOT be sitting home on the Computer All Day, ESPECIALLY when 50% of those hours arent being spent on Career Builders, CraigsList, and the other Job Search WebSites.

STOP giving your 'Boo' the PRIVILEGE of Driving YOUR Car while You're at Work. WHEN he CRASHES your ride, You already KNOW that he does NOT have the Money or Insurance coverage to pay for damages. Furthemore, he has NO Money to put GAS in your car, after he has Ripped and Run your Full-Tank to Empty by the End of the Day. YOU are the one having to pay all of his Speeding and Parking Tickets, for he could care LESS about your Car or your OTHER financial repsonsibilities.

...and IF his Ass was paying his Cell Phone Bill BEFORE He Met You, he can STILL pay the Fuckin Bill Now that Yall are Together. STOP feeling GUILTY and SCARED that you 'Wont Be Able to Contact Him' if his phone gets Cut-Off. TRUST ME...He is NOT going to allow himself to be 'Cut-Off' from being able to contact his Girlfriends via Phone and/or Text Message. The Bill Will be Paid WITHOUT Your Assistance...if NOTHING ELSE.

What tends to happen in Our Relationships, is a Detrimental Pattern of Weakness. However the ways in which the first 3 Months of a relationship is framed, pretty much dictates how the remainder of the relationship is going to foster. IF the grounds are shaky and faulty between month One and month Three; The HoneyMoon Period, I PROMISE YOU that the ENTIRE relationship is going to be Shaky as Well. NO...Things are NOT going to Change or Get Better once you start allowing your man to take Full-Advantage of You. Things NEVER Change or Get Better.

IF YOU ALLOW A MAN TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER IN THE BEGINNING OF THE RELATIONSHIP, HE WILL CONTINUE TO COMMIT THE CRIME THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE DURATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP.

There is No Chance of Change or ReDirection, ESPECIALLY in GAY Relationships. PERIOD.

'Creation is Representation' [Xem; August 2008]

'Knowledge and Artistry ABOVE My own VANITY' [Xem; July 2008]

'Im Drenched in Love and Showered by Support'[Xem; April 2008]

'Life Without Photographs are Moments that Never Happened'[Xem; August, 2007]