Bang That A**...

I recently got a phone call from a good friend of mine up in Sacramento. This buddy of mine is the antithesis of the gay "stereotype". While I put little or nothing into the gay stereotype let me explain my buddy. He loves to play/watch football--PASSIONATELY. He loves John Wayne and anything Western, was a gold medalist in shotput at the Gay Games and can be as menacing as an M1 Abrams battle tank. I love this guy.

He recently called me about a Mr. Gay Competition he'd read about online and wanted to know if I'd heard about it. After doing a little research I realized, yes, yes I had heard of it. When I was at a gay expo a few years ago I remember walking past the main stage and seeing the talent portion of this, "Mr. Gay Competition." The two talents I saw before having to pull myself away were one guy in his underwear rollerskating (badly) and throwing candy at the audience. The other guy was in his speedos doing yoga poses. Wha?

The website states, "Gay is not a stereotype and our mission is to raise the visibility of non-stereotypical gay men, humanize gays in the media, and confront homophobia in today’s culture." You too can be a future leader of the gay community provided "you have two to four pictures for consideration." Lord.

Well, the most recent bombshell dropped by Nobel Beast Foundation (yes, that's really the name of the people who put this on) is their Mr. Gay Argentina, Jorge Schmeda. On the surface he is clean cut, a body for days and a smile that any mother would love. On the flip side (and I do mean flip side) good ole Jorge (under a nom de guerre) has been in features like Monster Bang 11, Bang that Ass. I'm sorry...how does this raise the visibility of the non-stereotypical gay man? Ha - oh wait, that's right...sex addict, muscle boys isn't at all how we are portrayed in the media.

While not many people have even heard of this competition, I have to say I am exhausted by these gay-centric events challenging any chance of us gaining the support of our hetero counter parts. When our spokespeople have credits such as, "Bang That Ass," what do you expect the Middle-American house wife to think of this community--specifically when she's at the polls voting for our civil liberties.

When you look at other political minority groups you see amazing empowerment of their youth, in their leaders and in the way the approach their civil liberties. I do see a shift in the gay community as it abandons its overt sexuality (i.e. chaps and buttplugs) but as many of us begin to embrace mainstream acceptance and leave the gay ghetto behind just who are we leaving behind with the megaphones and media exposure?

Pornography has it's place (gay or straight) but I'll say it again: we have got to take the microphone away from the sex workers and their cronies if we're ever going to get anywhere as a political movement. Until then we just look like a bunch of sex addicts partying until the break of dawn with absolutely nothing to celebrate. Our sexual liberation has come and gone. It's time to realize there are more important things than that gang bang c*m shot. That's not talent--it's biology.

Haysus Christo!

Sorry for the lag--I have been slammed the last month or so. Even with the writer's strike work has been plentiful. Ahhh the joys of being non-union and working on independent projects. Makes you kind of want to stay out of the studio system, eh? I am FIRM believer of unions and back the writers 100% but I'm so tired of these corporate douche bags muddling up what should be an industry of art and expression...not multi-billion dollar weekend revenues. Ahhh...but that's entertainment.

So a lot to catch up on...

**POLITICS****************

I was truly blown away with San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders announcement that he, as the Mayor of one of California's largest cities, supported marriage equality. In case you missed it he gave a heart felt speech where he also announced his daughter was gay. I can not tell you how very impressed I am (as was the majority of San Diegans). Finally, a heartfelt, HONEST speech from a Republican...or politician for that matter. Here is a snipit from his press conference.

CLICK HERE

If this touched you as much as it did me to see someone in politics stand up for what is right, call the Mayor and thank him for his position. Thank him for his support of an entire community that is not equally represented under the law. This public statement is a huge step in our struggle so please reach out at thank Mayor Jerry Sanders:

Phone: (619) 236-6330
Fax: (619) 236-7228
JerrySanders@sandiego.gov


**PROFESSIONAL****************

Just wrapped a 35mm this weekend which shot in the OC. Jackson is the name of the piece and I worked as the Production Designer. The film should be cut by this spring. Here are a few photos of my work on the piece:


BEFORE


..........
AFTER



BEFORE


AFTER



I know, what's with the clocks, right? See the movie. ;)



Utility closet I built on the sound stage.



That's just 2 of our 6 locations. I'm still exhausted. Other news is we're still in pre-production for Bottom Dollar. Getting permission to film in all of our locations in SD. A Tokyo teaser will be up soon.

**PERSONAL****************

Had a great chat with my sister who recently moved to Geneva. It was her birthday yesterday so it was nice to catch up. Can't wait to see her this Christmas and then head out to Switzerland in the spring.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELL!!



-W