What does Black History Month Mean to You?

     I lived in Australia for several years. My time there allowed me a taste of what it's like to not have a Black History month. To be perfectly honest, I forgot all about it.
In Australia, The Civil War, The Civil Rights Movement, and even Obama becoming the first Black President isn't "black history," it's all part of America's history. I look forward to the day when "Black History" is told and taught along with everyone else's history in America.

The presence of a "Black History Month" or any other  "Minority History Month" means that there is still an "us and them" type mentality in this country; so much so that minorities need their own history separate from the rest of America's History. 
This isn't as negative as it sounds, though. It also means that America as a nation agrees that minority contributions to America's history are important enough that  at least a month's recognition of them annually is necessary. 

That said, here's my final question for this year's Black History Month:

"What does Black History Month mean to you?"

Here is what some of them had to say:

Black History Month 2013: Role Models?

A cast of diverse characters allows for a diverse audience to have the opportunity to relate with any of those characters. Factors like the character's appearance and/or their situation or circumstances are among the most popular reasons someone would relate with a particular character.

This week's question is:

"What black toon do you most identify with?"

When I asked this weeks question, I couldn't help but think about how I'd answer. I struggled to settle on one. I have always been obsessed with the elements, so I've "identified" with most characters with elemental powers , regardless of their race. My lightning fetish would lead most to think that toons like Storm or Black Lightning would be an obvious choice, but in reality the toon I sincerely identify most with would be Foxy Love from Drawn Together. 
I can totally identify with how ghetto fabulous and slutty she can be! Haha!

Here's how some other black creatives answered the question...

Black History Month 2013: STEREOTYPES - The Good, The Bad, The Truth?

I once had a conversation with an Asian friend (who has a big dick) about stereotypes and asked him, "Which do you think is worse- being black and having a small penis or being Asian with a big dick?" 
The black man with a small penis will never live up to the expectations society has put on him and the Asian with a big dick will always have to prove it.

Regardless how false or exaggerated stereotypes may be, they exist for one reason or another. Some work in our favor, some do not.  I, myself, measure up to many of them and yet I'm still surprised when people are shocked that I don't really care for watermelon or fried chicken or that I can swim. 

This week's questions were:

What 3 stereotypes about blacks are actually true about you? 

and

What  stereotype about blacks is the most false about you?

Here is what some of the Erotic Arts black creatives had to say...

JezzLoad Quickie: How does being black influence your art - or does it?

  

This year, as part of my blog celebration of Black History Month, I surveyed a variety of black creatives with an assortment of questions. I will be sharing what they had to say through out the month.

This week's question:

How does being black influence your art - or does it?

It's obvious that it influences my work, but not as heavily as you might think. 
When I made the commitment to become an erotic artist, I had a goal to showcase underdogs. I say underdogs because as a general category, I used the groups that tend to get dismissed more often on the online dating/hook up sites. You know - the groups covered in the "No Blacks, No Asians, No Fats, No Fems, and no one older than..." clause.

Here's how some other creatives answered today's question:

Bent-Con 2012 Recap

     So it's been two weeks since the extravaganza gathering of gay geeks, Bent-Con, occurred. The event is so overwhelmingly fun, it takes me at least a week to recover. 
Many of you already know what Bent-Con is, but for the benefit of those who don't, I'll explain. Bent-Con is an annual LGBT Comic Convention. It's technically 3 years old, but this is its second "official" year. Bent-Con gives home to artist, writers, directors, and anyone else showcasing queer work that usually is either overshadowed or more often excluded all together from other comic conventions. Fans can enjoy works they would normally miss out on as well as participate in cosplay they would usually not be free to or feel comfortable wearing. 
This year's show was packed with so many great panels, it was not easy picking which ones to attend. Celebrities like  Amber Benson, Tom Lenk, Christopher Rice, and even Traci Lords got in on this years fun along with Celebrity creatives like Jane Espenson, Phil Jimenez, Wendy Pini, Marc Andreyko, and too many more to list without this looking like one of those linage books of the Bible. Here are a few highlights from the show...

BENT-CON CountDown!

Hey Everybody!

I know my breaks from the blog have been longer than usual, but I assure you it's only temporary. I've been busy prepping for BENT-Con!




It's less than 3 weeks away and I couldn't be more excited!!!
Each week until the con, I'm gonna post New interviews with a few of the artist and geeks you'll meet there.
In the meantime, go ahead and review some of my previous interviews with guest who will be at this year's Bent-Con:

• Sean-Z (The man responsible for making BENT-Con happen)
• Patrick Fillion
• Chayne Avery
• Belasco
• Jon Macy
• Zan Christensen
• Justin Hall
• Joe Phillips
• Iceman Blue

You can see a list of the guest list on the Bent-Con webpage and can stay up to date with news by liking the fan page on Facebook.

That's all for now, Folks!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and I hope to see all of you at the Bent-Con. Gonna be a GREAT show!
-Jezza

February

Hey Everybody!!!

How is everyone's 2011 so far?
Mine gets better by the day and I couldn't be more excited about what I've got to share with you this month, but first this month's Birthday Role Call:

artist extraordinaire, Joe Phillips, celebrates another year on the 13th
Glamazonia's Justin Hall is turning the big 4 - 0 on the 14th
and fanboy blogger, Wonderman is turning 37 on the 16th
Show these studs some love, folks!

OK. So this year I broadened the spectrum of my interviews to include writers and other bloggers. This month's Q&A will have you in tears laughing and drooling for more. This feature is so entertaining that it can only be the one and only...

...Eric Arvin!!! (Imagine me saying it in an Oprah voice :D)
That's right folks! The beefcake writer of books like Slight Details & Random Events and Kid Christmas Rides Again is giving us some insight into the world of writing, some exciting news about future projects, and of course some very sexy bits about his goods!
You'll love this interview!

I'm also continuing my zodiac series this month with Pisces and I've got weekly fan art in recognition of Black History Month.
Yes, boys and trannies, I've packed this month full of goodies and I'm squirting to share it all with yaz!

until next time -
Have a grrreat week, folks!
Happy February!!!
-Jezza

Joe Phillips

This week's feature is the one an only, Joe Phillips. You know him for his Joe Boys, The House of Morecock, and Stonewall & Riot. In this Jezz Load Q&A, Joe shares his wisdom, experience, and guilty pleasures.

February

February Line Up

January comes to an end and February approaches. In tribute to Black History month, you can look forward to not one, but THREE Jezz Load Q&As!
That's right folks. I've got loads from 3 of the hottest black and gay erotic artist: Anti-Heroes' JC Etheredge, Boo's daddy, Belasco, and none other than the creator of House of Morecock and Stonewall & Riot, Joe Phillips.
Here are 3 fan arts I drew up in spirit of my February threesome.
Enjoy.