Mocha Lounge video blog (Ep. 1): "Shirts & Skins", "Nick & Norah", the men behind marriage equality, and more!

You should call the show 'Doing With The R', Ramon and Rob, Rob and Ramon.  Two sexy black men responsible for making sure men of color and all men, are up on what's hot in our culture.

I only have one negative thing to say and I must because while I was lounging and totally relaxing, I felt that you guys weren't.  Instead of y'all sitting on stools, you should be on a comfy and cozy couch or maybe a cool love seat.  You guys were very comfortable in front of the camera but I just really felt y'all just looked so uncomfortable on those stools, though.  Maybe you should film a segement while your getting massages while sipping on a cocktail or some sort of brown juice and toasting and celebrating being the new modern GBM.  You already know that it's rare to have our voice heard, now they will be seen for all.  You have to do it big and Rob wanted to work for Diddy, the man responsible for bring forth that new lifestyle, that is filled with decadent of all kinds.  Even if the bling is from Wal-Mart, it should still be shinning.  Maybe while the two of you are in your new comfortable chairs, you could be gripping oversized mugs, while chatting and sipping on chai tea or green tea.

"Double R', if I may nickname you guys, your chemistry together was good and I have to say that I was a little jealous of Sexy Ramon because I so wanted that spot but it is, what it is.  However Ramon, is making me so proud because he is doing his thing.  Rob you know your a cutie, so work it out!

You covered all the bases and without losing your fire and passion for what you were talking about.  You segement about 'Catching a Case' was funny but I have to tell you that all types of gay men are necessary, especially on TV.  We come in all shapes, sizes and colors and we really make up that rainbow.  Rob, you know that I love you but you pointed out a great deal of characteristics about different guys from the team and it would be the empowering ones, that turned you off.  It's just my belief but it seems when your able to be yourself totally, there is no need to go back and turn around.  The first time someone called me a 'SISSY', it hurt because I associated so many bad things with being a sissy.  Now when I hear the word, 'SISSY', I can only associate it with good things and good men, that happen to be fem.  I feel that I'm the Saint for all Sissies because I know that I have times that I just get a bit girlie and it use to bother me to death because it's viewed negatively not only in the hetro world but even amongst my own gay peers, especially amongst other minorities that happen to be gay.  You see me and I'm 6'1", about 200lbs but I always felt 5'4" and under 100lbs but I'm from the East Coast but I always felt West Coastish because I'm always California Dreaming.  I'm happy being the person that I am and that took some time to get to that place.  I am so blessed to be where I am from and now thanks to you guys at The Mocha Lounge, I have a place to vent and talk about what is cool and what is bothering me.  

 'Double R' you brushed on a few topics that were interesting and I learned a great deal, like talking about Logo's lack of color on their programming.  You have to know that I was hurt when Noah's Arc was cancelled but there is always a silver lining somewhere because there is a movie, 'Jumping The Broom'.  I pray your going to get all the juicy details and report back to your public. 

We can't count out Logo just yet because not only have they and still are blessing me with gay films, that I would have never saw anywhere and some tv shows and a few documentaries, that enlight as well as educate.  This station also has an informative news broadcast, that I never miss and it keeps me up on the latest trends and movies, kinda what you guys do. 

You talked about politics which was good because I can't lie but I'm not big on politics and even when it's concerning my future, it doesn't bore me but it makes me sad.  I know you were talking about a few mayors in different states passing bills to give gay couples the legal rights.  These happen to be good looking Black Mayors from DC, New York and Mass..  Is that a plus or what?  Not only gay people but all people because these gentlemen are standing up for what is right.  It's funny because there has always been this visible at times but invisible line drawn from the black community and the gay community.  It seems that black people would sympathize with gays but never wanted to ever say that there is a deeper connection between the two groups.  I'm black and I know how thin the line is but trying to tell someone else that being gay and being black are so similar.  "There is a big difference and you guys have choice", is something that I was always told by skeptics.  That would bring me to your 'What's The Q' topic.  It was something from my new favorite show on Logo 'Shirts and Skins' and it was something weighing heavy on sexy and very talented ball player, Jamal.  'Is being gay a choice' was the topic and I have to say that everyday, I can't lie but I feel different about the answer, to that profound question. 

It seems that there was times that I was 100% sure that I was born gay because I remember being so young and I already knew, that I loved boys and that was finally.  Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate girls and still I don't but I just knew that I would rather look at Billy Dee, rather than Diana Ross.  However, there was a time, that I thought that everyone around me knew I was gay.  How fooled I was because everyone was so shocked, when I came out, to the people that I felt needed to hear it from me and not second-handed.  Just everyone's reaction made me re-think a few things about myself and what I was going about to embark on.  As you already know that being gay isn't a picnic or runway everyday and especially when you add some mocha to that mix.  I don't have to spell it out but we know that as people of color, sometimes we get the short end of the stick.  Not that anyone else doesn't but I can only answer for myself.  I started to believe that my upbringing made being gay easier, to adapt and it was a good fit, like a tailored-just-for-me suit. 

I was raised with 2 brothers and by a beautiful black, single mother, who I like to call 'Queen'.  One of my brother's (God rest his sweet soul), was disabled and all that beautifully placed dysfunction in my life was poetic and so poignant.  It was something that I wouldn't change for the world, even if I could.  It seems that my mom was and still this DIVA, that loved clothes and all the extra DIVA things and she was the one person besides God, that I truly adored and worshipped and still do.  However, her liking all the fabulous things, didn't make me gay but made me more aware of unboy-like things and behaviors.  So, like Jamal and others that feel like Jamal, I'm a bit torn on that subject because like I said, I really don't know and at this moment in my life, I just don't care because right now, I'm enjoying my gay life.  That would be whether I was born gay or my surroundings made being gay an easy fit.

Double R, you guys are my new BFF's and I pray we can always trade information and talk about different things that are going on, in your world, mine and ours.  I am your newest fan and I just can't wait unitl there is a party celebrating your 100th episode of The Mocha Lounge. 

I wanted to share with you and everyone some talk about a new movie 'The Secret Life of Bees', that is about to come out.  It looks like a tear jerk of a film but looks so worth the money.  It's starring some of our favorite women or at least women that recognize gay men, especially black gay men and that is Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson and cute little Dakota Fanning.  Since I saw you shoot out an Asian gay actor in 'Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist', which is a cool thing and you even mentioned one of the funniest guys alive besides Chris Rock and that was Alec Mapa.  I saw him on Logo Comedy Special and he killed it.  'Nick and Nora' seems like that movie that gives me the same vibes of 'Juno' and 'SuperBad' and all the films that guys and girls in their earlier 20's, run to see because it make think about their teen years. 

Double R, I have no more to talk about, except to really thank you guys, for bringing something new and fresh to the table.  I want to also thank AfterElton for this wonderful sweet treat, called 'The Mocha'. 

Oh by the way, I pray you can talk a little bit in the future about music and talk about my girl and I pray she is yours Janet Jackson and her tour.  Another black diva on the road is Tina Turner and Mary J., we  have to give our queens some props.  

Take care guys, Curtis  

They're absolutely right that African-American homophobia has been WAY overplayed in the media.

Being gay is NOT a choice. Deciding who you want to hook up with after you discover you're gayness IS a choice.

It's just that simple.

Dear Rob and Ramon,

I was very excited to hear your take on Nick & Norah since I was planning on seeing the movie.  I frankly don't appreciate your lack of actually reviewing said movie and I don't want to waste my time watching a lame movie.  I trust your taste.  Please watch it and tell me if the movie is worth seeing.  But this was very informative anyway, because I found out that BD Wong is gay!  Hurrah!

With love,

Rude Girl