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AE: Noah's Arc is the first TV show specifically about gay black men. On Showtime's Queer As Folk, we rarely saw a minority face. On Noah's Arc, we rarely see any white actors. Is that intentional on the show's part, or is the casting just staying true to the story you're telling?
RC: Honestly, I feel that Patrik is not doing anything deliberately, but the show is a black gay series. It's not like we don't have any white friends, but it's the same thing as all of black [gay] America looking at Queer As Folk and saying, “Where are we?” I don't think he's doing it intentionally, but I think he's trying to stick to what the show is really about, and it's about African-American men and the relationships that we go through as African-Americans. … I think if the storyline called for someone other than an African-American to come in, if Patrick saw fit, I'm sure he would.

AE: The show has already tackled some serious subjects, some universal such as infidelity, and some specific to the African-American gay community such as guys on the down low and homothugs, but all with a surprising frankness. Is it important for the show to address these issues, or are they secondary to the story?
RC: Of course it's important, because that's part of what Patrik was trying to portray with the show. Even with the drag episode when we're all doing drag, I think that was put in there because he felt like that's a huge part of the African-American gay lifestyle, that whole scene. I think anything, the homothugs, any of the stuff like that, of course it's important because that's what he feels is part of the gay community.

AE: One of the issues tackled in Season 1 was the hypocrisy of the church not blessing Chance and Eddie's wedding. You have a great scene where you tell off the church elders. What are your thoughts on the African-American Christian community's anti-gay stance?
RC: Religion is such a personal subject. For me personally, I feel like to each his own. … I know what God I serve, and the God I serve just wants you to do the right thing and be a true Christian. Whatever people's beliefs, I try not to get into that. I think we touched on that [on the show] because the church people were so adamant in the episode that it's OK to have the wedding here, but you can't do it in the church. And that happens.

But then you have preachers and people in the church that are very well-respected that commit all kinds of sex things with kids, with little boys, or the preachers are gay and married, and people still continue to go to these churches, knowing that this is happening. So, I just think it's a personal thing, whatever you feel. Me personally, like I said, I know what kind of God I serve, and whatever He feels about the way I lead my life or what I do in general. I feel like as long as I'm living right and trying to make the right decision, I'm fine.

AE: AIDS is another issue addressed on the show through the clinic Alex runs. How important an issue is AIDS to the black community in general and the black gay community in particular?
RC: First of all, I don't think it's just a black thing, as we all know. It's definitely worldwide, gay/straight, whatever. I remember in the beginning Patrik couldn't figure out what Alex would be doing, and I was really glad that he made that part of Alex's character because it is so important to address, and also for Alex to have some kind of serious moments and not be the crazy person all of the time.

It is definitely a very important topic, and it's so great that we are touching on that. There are so many people that still don't understand it, and they don't practice safe sex. It's good to have the information out there where we know we have such a huge audience, to let these kids know that you need to go get tested. You have to do the right things if you're going to be out there running wild!

AE: It looks like the show is adding some more eye candy for Season 2. What else do we have to look forward to this season?
RC: I think that the whole second season brought more depth to the characters. Not necessarily with each other, because we already have established the bond we have as friends, but in general, you'll see the second season is tighter. We've all worked harder. You'll see the transition. The issues are a little more serious. Alex is still fun, but I definitely have my moments where I have to bring it. It's a different level. I think people will enjoy the second season even more [than the first].

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