Sgl Contents Features

12 Talk Show Diva Maurice Runea

6 Gina Prince-Bythewood Addresses Her Critics

17 Tyra Banks, Phil Donahue Among GLAAD Media Award

Winners

In Every Issue

4 Editor’s Letter

16 What the T? Gossip column on

everything in the entertainment industry

11 Ask Nathan 7 Scott

8 DVD Movies

5 Book

9 Music

This Week’s Happy Birthday ‘s

April 1- Rodney Johnson

Editor’s LetterI am so excited to still be here for the thirdissue. I told you that we would get better and

better with each and every issue. I have beenlooking at the numbers for each and everyissue and they continue to blow me away we

have readers in Mexico, South America,Italy, Africa, Asia, and so many othercountries I can’t make out on the map. Praise

the lord is all I got to say is Praise the lord.Please subscribe to the magazine it is freeand it only takes two minutes to sign up.

Please tell a friend to subscribe also. In thisissue we have our cover model MauriceRunea looking fabulous, we get very

personal in this interview. We have ourweekly columnist Nathan 7 Scott talkingabout how to get rid of toxic people out of

your life wether it is your family, friends,boyfriend, girlfriend, boss, etc. We have aoverview of the New York Glaad Awards

and so much more. So take a look at theissue and please respond atsglweeklymag@gmail.com.

Cordially,

Cleavester Brooks

Books

From LuAnn de Lesseps — The Countess is widelyrecognized as today’s manners & etiquette expertand the star of Housewives of New York on Bravo.

This spring, she will introduce her first book, Class

with the Countess: How to Live with Eleganceand Flair (Gotham) which releases on April 16th,2009.

This book empowers women who never thought

they had the confidence or the elegance to navigatemany social situations. The Countess shares her ownexperiences socializing with everyone from Kings

and Queens to various aristocrats.

Through her inspirational message and high-profile

life as a Countess, she takes you through setting theperfect table, to gracefully entering a room - and

never once makes these look daunting!

Gina Prince-Bythewood Addresses Her Critics

by Gina Prince- Bythewood

“Over the years, we've all seen too many anachronistic 'magic Negroes' in movies like “Forrest

Gump” and “The Green Mile.” The saintly African-American matriarchy of “The Secret Life ofBees” may appear benign by comparison. Yet the film, set in the civil rights era, has a dated,musty piety that too often evokes the liberal message mongering of that time. “The Secret Life of

Bees” is a lesson - or, rather, a whole series of them - we no longer need to learn.” OwenGleiberman, Entertainment Weekly.

It is a long-standing, industry norm that filmmakers do not respond to critics. But when I readthis “review” of my film, I was determined to blow up this dude's spot.

Not only was I personally offended, but his ignorance spoke to my greater anger -- the industry'simposed limitations on our diversity. My desire as a filmmaker is to make universal stories withBlack characters. Just as I can watch “Knocked Up,” or “Terms of Endearment” and be moved, I

hope that all audiences can watch “Love and Basketball” and “The Secret Life of Bees” and besimilarly moved. But the reality is, there are those who view films through their own limitedscope of experience and prejudices.

Owen Glieberman, “a top critic,” labeled the Boatwright sisters “magical negroes,” arguing theywere too good to be true. Whose ruler is measuring the length, width and depth of who we are,

were and will be as a people? The Boatwright sisters are strong, educated, cultured,entrepreneurial and complex. And they were based on women I know: women in my husband'sfamily who grew up in South Carolina in the 60s.

I was determined to give them the spotlight for once, given the oft-seen images of sisters in the60s as beaten, uneducated, and begging for dignity. What is “magical” to Owen, is real to us.

Our Black experience is as multi-faceted and complex as any other race but when people areconfronted with something out of their familiarity, rejection or criticism often follows.

Think about the uproar over “The Cosby Show,” labeled a “fantasy” by white critics. OrObama's early presidential campaign, labeled a “fantasy” by our first "Black president" BillClinton. Because Owen Gleiberman did not recognize the women he saw on screen he too,

dismissed them as a “fantasy.”

This is not the first time, nor will it be the last. My hope is that the more diverse images of us

appear on screen, the more the world will be unable to find comfort in old stereotypes. As for“blowing up his spot,” I was talked out of it by the studio and producers. But I can promise you,that will never happen again.

We have a duty to respond. Because change will not come without a dialogue, and a dialogue isnot one person spewing his ignorance, but rather an exchange of perspectives.

Gina Prince-Bythewood wrote and directed "Love and Basketball," "Disappearing Acts," and thescreen adaptation of "The Secret Life of Bees."

DVD MoviesHolding TrevorA moving and funny drama about growing up and breaking free,‘Holding Trevor’ is the story of a beautiful and intelligent gay

twenty-something (screenwriter Brent Gorski) who vows to take hislife in a brand new direction. After breaking up with an old-boyfriend with bad habits (Shortbus’ Jay Brannan), Trevor faces the

challenge of a mature relationship with Ephram, an ambitiousmedical intern. Rich in emotion and detail, ‘Holding Trevor’ is anunforgettable portrait of figuring where we fit in.

Verdict: Buy it is a great romantic movie

Marley & Me

Based on Philadelphia Inquirer columnist John Grogan's

memoir, this is the portrait of a relationship throughout the lifeof an irascible dog. Starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen

Wilson, it's funny, it's romantic, and you'll cry like crazy.

Verdict: Great film buy it.

Slumdog Millionaire

A poor boy finds himself climbing the ladder of India's "Who

Wants to Be a Millionaire." But when the taping of the show

ends, he's accused of cheating, because he couldn't possibly bethat smart... could he? He's not there for the money anyway;he's there to prove himself in the eyes of a friend who watches

the show religiously.

Verdict: The one of the worst movies I have ever seen.

MusicRupaul- Champion

You Better Work! is the phrase RuPaul coined andultimately turned into a battle cry for the dance floorwith the #1 dance classic SUPERMODEL (You

Better Work). Now Miss Thing is back to work withthe release of CHAMPION, a brand new albuminspired by LOGO's new reality TV series

RUPAUL's DRAG RACE.

The album is a sassy bouquet of rump shakers written

and produced by RuPaul and Lucian Piane, themastermind behind the viral smash BALE OUT -RevoLucian's Christian Bale Remix.

The first single COVER GIRL serves as the runway music on each episode of the televisionshow. I feel ecstatically proud of this collection of songs that echoes a new spirit of hope and

optimism that has swept our country.

From the undeniably infectious JEALOUS OF MY BOOGIE, DEVIL MADE ME DO IT and

DESTINY IS MINE to the retro-disco inspired MAIN EVENT to the drag queen anthemsTRANNY CHASER and LADYBOY, this album is designed to get the party started. The entirealbum is upbeat, even the more heartfelt songs like LET S TURN THE NIGHT and NEVER

GO HOME AGAIN aren't shy when it comes to the beats per minute.

The album also features THROW YA HANDS UP a bonus duet with legendary drag queen

Lady Bunny. I wanted to top this album off withsomething really special, as a keepsake for all the upand coming fabulous children, says RuPaul.

LaBelle- Back to Now

Labelle is back with one of the most anticipated

recordings of 2008! Sounding every bit as sassy, freshand edgy as in their heyday, Patti, Nona and Sarah

have brought together some of the powerhouse talentsof today & yesterday to create a true event. The firstsingle 'Rollout' prominently features Wyclef Jean on

an upbeat contemporary anthem that will exposeLabelle to a whole new audience. Lenny Kravitz playsall over the three tracks he produced combining unique

R&B retro sounds with his natural rock edge. TheMasters of Philly Soul Kenneth Gamble & Leon A. Huff bring their magic to four of the album'sten tracks. The album closes with a recording of 'Miss Otis Regrets' from 1969. Produced by

Kit Lambert.

Jennifer Hudson- Jennifer Hudson

The 2008 self-titled debut album of Jennifer KateHudson reflects her high-powered soulful style voicewhich is transcendent and timeless. Guests features on

the album include Fantasia on "I'm His Only Woman",Ludacris on "Pocketbook", plus the highlights versionof "And I am Telling You I'm Not Going" from

Dreamgirls. Jennifer first gained notice as one of thefinalists on the third season of the FOX televisionseries American Idol. She went on to star as Effie

White in the 2006 motion picture adaptation of themusical Dreamgirls for which she won numerousawards including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe

Award, a BAFTA and a SAG Award. 13 tracks.

Ask NathanHey Nathan, How do I get ridof toxic people out of my

life(family, friends,associates, etc). Thanks Kyle.

Dear Kyle:I would assert that you arelooking to have a shift in

relationships. You should firstdecide what your "conditionsof satisfaction" are for the

relationships that you wish toacquire. Create a list of thepeople in your life and check to

see which ones meet yourconditions. As you revisit yourlist begin to cross out the

names that don't belong andthen remove them from yourphone.

Initially, this may bechallenging, however, consider

filling those vacant spots withnew people. Start networkingand being around people who

share your values. One areathat I work with my clients onis how to build positive and

healthy relationships. Feel freeto contact me for coaching!

Say No to Toxic Relationships!

Nathan "Seven" Scott *

Your Personal Life Coach *Experience Power, Passion & Fulfillment *Send your Questions tosglweeklymag@gmail.com

Inside Maurice RuneaA Cleavester Brooks Interview

Cleavester: Who is Maurice Runea?

M.R: Maurice Runea is very good friend and an even better lover. He is loyal, goal oriented,driven, confident and smart. I use to be shy and doubted myself and my talents alot growing upbecause of obstacles life threw at me, but as I grew as a person I busted out that "closet". It came

to a point that I had to live free. It was then that I became who I always wanted to be and whatyou see now is the result and Im happy. I do have to give props to the Gay Men's Health Crisis(GMHC), it was through my work with them that I grew to became comfortable to just be who I

am and be proud of it. C: Tell us about The Maurice Runea Show?

M.R: The Maurice Runea Show is about uplifting people and showcasing their talents, my showis very diverse so you may see gays, lesbians, heterosexuals and a variety of races... Who knowsaliens may even drop in, I don't discriminate...lol.

C: What is your dream for the show?

M.R: I would love to see my show on television, I enjoy what I do and hopefully the viewerslove what they see.

C: What is The Rainbow Collective? How do we watch? M.R: The Rainbow Collective is a website that was created by my fabolous producer SekiyaDorsett as a platform to showcase the many beautiful talents and skills our community has to

offer. The Rainbow Collective has original series, blogs and information geared towards, but notonly for the LGBT community. The hard work, dedication and love Ms. Dorsett pours into thesite shows through the finished product... Dont take my word for it, Check it out at

www.TheRainbowCollective.com... Leave comments, join the mailing list and just support. C: What Happen to Vantage Point?

M.R: Nothing happened, we all are still very cool and involved in our own projects & althoughwe're not currently filming any new episodes Vantage Point is still airing on Black Gay Chat...Who knows what the future may hold, we may return.

C: What are you looking for in a man? M.R: Honesty, Respect, Passion, Independance, Intelligents, Love and Companionship... The

man I'm looking for has to know how to be my friend as well as my lover and Lord knows it'll

help a whole lot if he's employed. I hope to get married one day, I think I'll make a beautifulbride, Don't you agree? LOL

C: When did you know you were gay? M.R: I knew I was gay at a very young age... I realized when I would have crushes on the boysand I related to the girls... I was never the ooh! lets play football type, never enjoyed watching

sports and just never did what society would deem straight male behavior... I was more intostyling Barbies' hair and making her clothes, cooking and fashion became my outlet.

C:What is your take on Barack Obama? M.R: I think President Obama is going to make us proud because he's the right man for the job. I'm more concerned about how he runs the country, than what color he is and I think thats the

problem many of us have. We just wanted to see a black man in office but ask them what's hispolitical stance and they don't know.

C: Do you see your self having kids in the future? M.R: I do, I do... In the far off future, Maybe when Im about 50, lol...

C: If you can sleep with any Celebrity which Celebrity would it be and Why? M.R: Oh My! I have a few but If I had to pick just one It would be Blair Underwood, He looks tobe a passionate man, he's sexy and has a distinguoshed aura about him... Im getting goose bumps

right now, lol

C: What can we expect out of season 2?

M.R: Season 2 is going to be off the hook, look forward to seeing me in some weird anddifferent situations, like when I take a strip tease class. This season is all about having fun andgiving my viewers something they enjoy watching.

Season 1 did extreamly well and season 2 is only going to get better.

C: Who will be on the show next season?

M.R: We have too many guests to mention right now but just know that next season will be anincredibly unique experience because I am going to be getting out there. I will be on the streetand maybe even in your house if you let me. We are going to make this season a dynamic one

where we not only interview people but I will be learning a thing or two. You have to watchbecause the first episode will not disappoint.

C: Why such a short season? We want more go until May like on TV? M.R: Well actually we made the season 12 weeks, we based the length of the season to realityshow seasons... But don't worry there will be special additions in between seasons so you won't

miss me to long and the second season starts May 6th and boy are we going to bring it, so beprepared. The Rainbow Collective is not playing

C: Are you going to put the first season on DVD for the people to buy? M.R: All the shows are shot in HD, so it would be wonderful for people to really see the qualitythat we produce. We wanted to ensure everyone no matter the platform was able to watch it

without too many issues and video freezing, so we tried not to go with the HD this season online

but eventually, we will place the entire season on DVD because there are so many questions andinteractions that gets left on the cutting room floor. Look out for the entire season on DVD justin time for Pride. I will be at pride too so keep a look out.

C: What did you want to be when you grow up? M.R: Funny, I wanted to work with computers, data entry type stuff... I took computer

operations from the 7th grade thru my 12th and got accepted into the Computer OperationsProgram at LaGuardia Community College where I did two semesters before I realized I didn'twant to do this anymore. My heart was fashion/styling & entertainment... I learned to love what I

do and do what I love. C: How is life in New York?

M.R: I love life in New York. It truly is the city that never sleeps, There's always something todo... I really can't imagine ever relocating anywhere else.

I just want to say to family, friends and fans... Thank You for all the love & support, I reallyappreciate your kind words of inspiration and the fanmail... Luv You All, Muah!

Maurice Runea Inc. Maurice Runea "The Show": www.TheRainbowCollective.com Maurice Runea "The Magazine": www.MauriceRunea.blogspot.com YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/chocolatemrhE-Mail: chocolatemrh@hotmail.comMySpace: www.myspace.com/MauriceRuneaFaceBook: Maurice Runea

What’s The T? By Deena Jones

Who in the Hell left the gate open Bob Johnson Vs Cathy

Hughes about Bob starting a new TV network which Johnsonwould own 51 percent and Ion would own 49 perfect like CathyHughes deal with Comcast for TV One ,these tired old negros

need to stop really stop... Fine ass Brian White joins the cast ofTyler Perry’s ‘I Can Do Bad All by Myself as Randy, a cockypotential romantic interest of Taraji P Henson’s character..

Britney Spears turns down $3 million dollar book deal. Cause itwasn’t in the $8 million rangethat Hillary Clinton got.

News flash to Britney youare no Hillary. You aren’t inyour 60's and you haven’t

really lived through to much.No one wants to her aboutyour boring childhood and

your drama filled twenties. We have already read it in thetabloids and internet. We even saw your swaggingmonkey(pussy), which should be abomination... Eddie

Murphy is going to star as the late great Richard Pryor, thetitle of the film is Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?Dreamsgirls director Bill Condon will direct it and it is set

for a 2010 release and it will star all four of his real life wives... Martha Stewart has expandedher empire yet again. This time it is in the field of stationary with Crane & Co.... PoliticalActivist Michael Eric Dyson gets his on Syndicated Radio Show starting next Monday April 6th

to air weekdays in 18 markets....Queen Latifah has been cast in the upcoming film "Just Wright," a

romantic comedy that had been set up six years ago at Disney, but was put into turnaround and picked up

by Fox Searchlight, reports Variety. The actress will play a physical therapist who falls in love with a

basketball player while helping him recover from a career-threatening injury.

We have just learned that actor/rapper/director Ice Cube has another new

comedy film on tap besides the long awaited film Janky Promoters. We

hear that his new film, titled Ride Along, is slated to begin filming this

summer by New Line Cinemas. We hear that Cube will play a rogue cop

with a soft spot for his sister. When she reveals she's engaged to an upper-

crust white psychiatrist, the cop sets out to destroy the relationship by

inviting his future brother-in-law on a ride-along. Word is that Cube is

eyeing either Tracy Morgan or Mike Epps to star along with him. We

also heard that there has been some strong interest from Cube to select a

new comedian to star. In other Cube news, we just discovered that Cube’s

other film Janky Promoters, which was scheduled to drop last week, has

lost its distributer. Is that signs of the Weinstein Co. being in deep financial

trouble because of the economy? We are not sure, but all signs sure do

point in that direction. As of this writing, Janky, which also stars Mike

Epps, is set to be released in July 2009.

Tyra Banks, Phil Donahue Among GLAADMedia Award Winners By Sergio Ibarra

The 20th annual GLAAD Media Awards distributed its first batch of prizes Saturday night in

New York. Among the honorees were talk show hosts Tyra Banks, Suze Orman and PhilDonahue.

Ms. Banks received the previously announced Excellence in Media Award for her work in

educating the public on the lives of gay and transgender people through her shows “The TyraBanks Show” and “America’s Next Top Model.”

Ms. Orman accepted the Vito Russo Award, given to an openly gay, lesbian, bisexual or

transgender person who has made strides in the fight for equality for LGBT people.

Mr. Donahue received a special recognition award 20 years after he received a media award at the

very first ceremony.

Other winners in the TV categories included CBS’ “As the World Turns” for outstanding daily

drama and MSNBC’s “Countdown With Keith Olbermann” for Mr. Olbermann’s "SpecialComment: Gay Marriage Is a Question of Love."

Winners in the Spanish-language categories included novela “Alma de Hierro” on Telefutura;

drama series “Capadocia” on HBO Latino; Univision's "Mujer, Casos de la Vida Real" foroutstanding individual episode of a series without a regular LGBT character; Telemundo's "CasoCerrado" for daytime talk show episode (“Juntos hasta el final”); Univision's "Don Francisco

Presenta" for talk show interview (“La primera boda de pareja de transexuales”); Mega TV's"Paparazzi TV" for celebrity news segment for “La Proposición 8”; and Telemundo's "NoticieroTelemundo" for TV journalism segment, “Drama de jóvenes hispanos gay: Rechazados por ser

gay.”

For a full list of winners announced, including film, media and journalist categories, click here.

(Link to http://www.glaad.org/mediaawards/20thAnnual/MANYrecap.php)

More winners will be announced at ceremonies in Los Angeles (April 18) and San Francisco

(May 9).

Kathy Griffin will be awarded the Vanguard Award and Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson will be

recognized with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the Los Angeles ceremony. Chad Allen willreceive the Davidson/Valenti Award at the San Francisco ceremony, hosted by Chelsea Handler.

The GLAAD Media Awards are distributed by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against

Defamation, which works toward promoting a fair and accurate representation of LGBT people in

the media.

See ya nextWeek. Pleasesend all yourletters tosglweeklymag@gmail.com