The Friday Zip File

Each and every post on COP 24/7 competes against themselves as to what will make the cut and will have to step back until next time. Usually I produce this effort on Sunday's while trying to create a week's worth of content. Sometimes, breaking news or either urgent items trump whatever is up and often times I have to reboot and re-post to make it more timely. Nevertheless, this forum has been churning it out since 2004 covering everything from A to Z. As we keep moving forward, don't forget that your contributions help with all of our activism and advocacy work around social justice items. Come join our Rainbow Circle of Friends, subscribe, RSS feed or check us out on your mobile device. COP 24/7 continues to be the information leader in Arkansas and across the Mid-South. Keep it locked and loaded to this platform!

Novel Nails the RAGE! in Gay Domestic Violence

Author Shines Bright Light on Gay Domestic Violence/Abuse 

     With his new novel entitled Nothing Can Tear Us Apart—RAGE! (Gay/ethnic), gay journalist, author and radio talk show host (his radio program, The WOE Show, debuts June 1 on PapiChuloRADIO), Wyatt O’Brian Evans paints a striking and realistic portrait of Intimate Partner Violence/Abuse (IPV/A), commonly referred to as domestic violence/abuse in the LGBTQ community.   In many instances, IPV/A is stigmatized and “swept under the rug.”  And it occurs much more than is reported:  statistics show that each year, over 500,000 gay men are battered.

     Mr. Evans has researched and written extensively about this issue for print and on line media outlets including Huffington Post and BaltimoreOUTloud.  Himself an IPV/A survivor, Mr. Evans conducts seminars on this issue.  

     Nothing Can Tear Us Apart—RAGE! is the story of Wesley and Antonio:  two masculine, openly gay men of color who must confront serious and daunting challenges and obstacles to their monogamous relationship.  Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse is the overarching theme of RAGE! 

     Because IPV/A continues to be largely unspoken in the LGBTQ community, the author felt that Nothing Can Tear Us Apart—RAGE! would break through more as a novel--as opposed to a work of nonfiction.  “As fiction, the issue is more palatable, and not such a ‘bitter pill to swallow’,” states Evans.   

     Nothing Can Tear Us Apart—RAGE! asks the questions, “What would you do after the man of your dreams battered you because he believed you’d been unfaithful?  Then, how would you cope with the revelation that someone’s vicious treachery was behind your partner’s despicable actions?  Could you forgive this man to whom you’ve given every piece of your heart?”  Well such dilemmas occur in RAGE!--Nothing Can Tear Us Apart.

    Desirable, wealthy gay Black celebrity Wesley (Wes) Laurence Kelly yearns for an enduring, satisfying love.  Unfortunately, disastrous relationships have left him shattered and disillusioned.

     Enter Antonio (‘Tonio) Miguel Rios, Jr., a deliciously muscular gay Puerto Rican whom Wes has hired as his bodyguard.  He, too, has failed at love.

     Then, without warning, that magical, irrefutable, irresistible force known as chemistry totally engulfs the pair!  After finding they have much in common, they forge a strong bond.  However, they’re still too afraid to act on the growing romantic feelings and sexual urges they have for each other.

 

AIME Makes Cash Target

Congratulations to Arkansas Initiative for Marriage Equality on exceeding its fundraising goal of $3,000 during its "Equality: A Three Hour Tour," last Sunday at Thirst and Howl in West Little Rock.

According to organizers over 100 people were in attendance to enjoy a variety show featuring area entertainers and special guest.

 Funds raised will support the groups graphic and printing needs as well as additional petition gathering support. On May 23, at the Flying Saucer, the group will have another strategy session concerning future canvassing. Check out their website at www.arequality.org for more information or like their FACEBOOK page.

 

 

Coming Next Week: The Thunder of HIV Speaks to COP 24/7!

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