Strange Fruits

WTF! The Memoirs of a Recovering Homosexual

2012-01-21T18:46:00.001-05:00

1981
Blues Bar aka Sally’s Hideaway
It had to be love at first sight. I entered the dark laden bar on West
43rd street just off of 8th avenue. I took my seat at the bar like I always do. I ordered my favorite drink - rum & coke on the rocks - and I stared into the mirror opposite me wondering why this fat guy come to this hustler bar night after night looking for Mr. Goodbar. Two prostitute drag queens sitting next to me was arguing with this guy. He was hitting on them and they weren’t having it. I guessed they didn’t like the company and left the bar. This guy came over to me and looked me in the eyes what looked liked green eyes in the darkness of the bar. “buy me a drink!” he commanded and I did. He must have hypnotized me cause rule number one in a hustler bar - never buy a man a drink unless he gives up the dick first. He gulped down his drink, “Ok let’s go.”
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“To your place.”
“I live uptown in Sugar Hill,” I answered.
“So, you got my back. Let’s go.”
We left the bar with him leading and me like a fat horny bitch followed.
    By the time we got to the subway platform our train pulled in and we boarded. Like a gentleman he let me have the opened seat. The train was crowded. it was until then that I realized that it was still early, too early to go home. “Well,” I thought to myself, “If he turns out to be whack, I’ll still have time to return to the bar to pick up a hot hairy hung black man” As I sat crunched between the fat lady who didn’t sing and the Pillsbury dough man, I sized up the light skinned black man who captivated me into submission. He stood in the doorway of the subway car. No hat on his black mangled curly hair, no gloves on his huge hands he wore on this cold February night. He had sneakers, a flannel shirt and a wool jacket protecting him from the frigate weather. It was his worn out tight fitting jeans that caught my eyes. I became agasped when my eyes fell onto his crotch area. “Oh my,” I thought, “Haven't seen a basket that big since Raymond and Raymond had 10 inches” lol So, the trip home sent vision of sugar plums and cocks in my head.
    Half hour later we were ascending up from the subway in the Sugar Hill section of Harlem, NYC. I lived in a rooming house on the first floor of a brownstone. The bathroom was one flight up. It was a community bathroom. “Larry” I learned his name on the way uptown on the train, headed for the bathroom. I should have been frighten for my life. I mean, Larry was one hot sexy dude, (with his clothes on), why didn’t the drag queens want him. “Well,” I thought to myself, “Be careful he must be a bad ass hustler worse than them,” lol.
    My room door opened, it was Larry from his trip to the bathroom and wouldn’t you know it, I had to go to the bathroom. Dared I leave a total strange hot black man in my dinky little room alone to rob me blind? But I had to go so go I went.

to be continued:

Miss Bebe Revnge

2011-12-13T13:30:00.001-05:00

It’s been two years since the death of Bebe Montana Jackson’s husband. Since her moved to Greenwich, Connecticut she has been a shut-in fearing the ghost of Miss Brandy Alexander. Nights of twist and turning in her bed filled with nightmares of the devil’s sword ready to strike her down. All this aggravation changed her from a beautiful voluptuous drag queen to a bitter dilapidated drag hag. No future for her, no hope, but a life filled with sexless, loveless, days and nights of misery.

THEN CAME JAKE!

Jake was the baby brother of her husband, a twenty-three year old cafe-au-lait man of 6’5” of muscular football built testosterone. Manliness oozes from his every pore. this smooth talker, smooth walker son-of-a-gun stood in the doorway of a one Miss Bebe Montana Jackson. What did he want? Once Bebe set eyes on his magnificent body she couldn’t care less after all she is an ole southern whore who haven’t had a man in two years, lol.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Eric Booth playing at the out like that festival

2010-06-01T14:40:00.002-05:00

Disco Fever now on Strange Fruits Radio

2010-04-19T17:09:00.000-05:00

Disco Fever once again on Strange Fruits Radio featuring First Choice and don't forget "Ask Dr. Charley" for all your sexual needs

Call leave a question for Dr. Charley and she will answer it over the radio 718-593-4524

Write to us with your question: Strange Fruits Radio P.O. Box 483 Naugatuck, CT 06770-0483

You can email us your question to strangefruitstv@yahoo.com put Dr. Charley in the subject

Or visit Dr. Charley Ferrer website: http://www.instituteofpleasure.org/index2.htm

http://www.live365.com/cgi-bin/mini.cgi?stream=1366604&genre=&site=live365&tm=8229

FRUTA EXTRANA IS NOW FX GAY TV

2010-03-21T09:55:00.004-05:00

FRUTA EXTRANA IS NOW FX GAY TV

Decapitated and Disembered for being GAY!

2009-11-17T12:01:00.000-05:00

Note to Congressman Serrano, Congresswoman Velazquez, Bronx Borough President Diaz, Councilwoman Arroyo, State Senator Serrano,

This is from Charles Rice-Gonzalez, a Bronx resident, cultural leader and community activist.....

I learned of the brutal murder of a gay teen in Puerto Rico. He was decapitated, dismembered and burned. The investigation is underway, but the investigator has said some remarks that should be criminal. He said on a public televised statement that 'people who lead this type of lifestyle need to be aware that this will happen'.

This has caused a huge reaction from the gay community in Puerto Rico and it's starting to bubble here, too, but it's a difficult situation. Never in the history of Puerto Rico has a murder been classified as a hate crime. Even though Puerto Rico has to follow U.S. federal mandates and laws, many of the laws that are passed in the USA such as the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act that Obama recently signed into law, do not always directly get practiced in Puerto Rico.

This morning an arrest was announced. This case needs to be closely monitored for what may be the double victimization of Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado. There may be an attempt to paint this as a crime of passion, “gay panic”, and/or “prostitution gone bad” instead of the horrific act of hateful violence it was.

I want you, our elected officials to publicly:

1. Denounce the brutal murder of the openly gay Puerto Rican 19 year old Jorge Steven López Mercado.

2. Demand that the goverment of Puerto Rico provide investigators that are sensitive and concerned about the well being of all people of Puerto Rico including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people.

3. Request a full investigation leading to and conviction of the perpetrator(s) and the enforcement of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

4. Call for an island-wide education program that points out the pathology of homophobia and holds accountable people who exercise it.

Check out Fruta Extrana's Dr. Charley's interview live on Youtube!

2009-09-20T23:13:00.001-05:00

WATCH THE INTERVIEW LIVE ON YOUTUBE!!!

Monday, Sept 21 at 9pm EST

http://www.youtube.com/user/theluvchat?blend=1&ob=4

President Hugo Chavez is a black dictator dedicated to drive the human race back to the dark ages!!

2009-08-18T10:11:00.007-05:00

It is shame that we have two black leaders among us on this planet, one is dedicated to bring a country to bankruptcy and the other is dedicated to suppressed his people from freedom and the pursue of happiness; and of course, to keep himself in power.

Hugo Chavez’s shutting down Venezuelan News Media and government take over of practically all private businesses in the county only prove that he is drunk with power and in order to keep his power he must keep the masses in the dark at all course. He is sending Venezuelans back to the dark ages!

Eric Booth

You're Invited to be in our Music Video

2009-03-19T19:16:00.004-05:00

The Strange Fruit crew are shooting a music video on Sunday April 12, 2009. You are invited to be part of the video. Just wear your most outrageous outfit and come on down and be video taped along with the rest of the crowd.

DATE: Sunday April 12, 2009

TIME: 12 noon to 5pm

PLACE: The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, 841 Barretto Street, Hunts Point

(By Car:

MANHATTAN, EAST SIDETake FDR drive north to the Willis Ave. Bridge Exit (just after 96th St.). Stay in right lane crossing over bridge. Immediately after crossing over the bridge, veer right. At the bottom of the exit there will be a light. Make a right on to Bruckner blvd. Go straight and stay to your right. 2 to 3 lights down, a large black building with an "S&J" sign on the top of it and a neon sign of a woman in a champagne glass splits the road. Stay to the right of building. Immediately, past the building you will see an overpass. Cross underneath the overpass and make an immediate left. Stay to the right continuing on the road. You will eventually be underneath the Bruckner expressway. Make a right on to Barretto st. Go one and a half blocks. 841 Barretto (red door) will be on your right.

GW BRIDGE

Take the Cross Bronx Expressway to the Sheridan. Get off on the Westchester Ave exit. Go straight underneath the train el to Bruckner Blvd. Get into the left hand lane. Then make a left onto Barretto St. Go one block to Garrison Avenue continue straight up Barretto and about halfway up the block, on the right is BAAD!'s red door.

WHITESTONE BRIDGE

Take the Bruckner Expressway to Hunts Point Ave. Exit. Go straight through the light. You will cross a small bridge. Stay in your left lane. The first light you will come to is Hunts Point Avenue. The second light is Barretto Street. Make a left onto Barretto St. Go one block to Garrison Avenue continue straight up Barretto and about halfway up the block, on the right is BAAD!'s red door.

QUEENS

Cross Tri Borough Bridge and take the very first exit on the right hand side, 138th Street. Go straight off the exit and will be on Bruckner Blvd. which is underneath the Bruckner Expressway. Continue straight (about 8 lights) until you hit Barretto Street and then make a right. Go one block to Garrison Avenue continue straight up Barretto and about halfway up the block, on the right is BAAD!'s red door.

CONNECTICUT

Take the New England Thruway to the Bruckner Expressway. Exit at Hunts PointsAve. Go straight and go through the light. You will cross a small bridge. Stay in your left lane. The first light you will come to is Hunts Point Avenue. The second light is Barretto Street. Make a left onto Barretto St. Go one block to Garrison Avenue continue straight up Barretto and about halfway up the block, on the right is BAAD!'s red door.

Train:#6 TRAIN

Take the #6 to Hunts Point Avenue. Cross under the Bruckner Expressway to Garrison Avenue (1 Block). Make a right onto Garrison Avenue and walk two blocks to Barretto Street. Make a left onto Barretto Street and walk up to middle of block to BAAD! on the right hand side, red door.

#2 and #5 TRAINS

Take the 2 or 5 trains to Simpson Street. Walk along Southern Blvd. until itintersects with 163rd Street and Hunts Point Avenue. You will see the elevatedBruckner Expressway. Cross under the Bruckner Expressway until you reachGarrison Ave. Make a right on Garrison Ave and walk two blocks to BarrettoStreet. Make a left onto Barretto Street and walk up to middle of block toBAAD! on the right hand side, red door.

Bus:#6 BUS

Take the #6 to Hunts Point. Exit on Garrison Avenue and Hunts Point Ave. Walkdown two blocks and make a left onto Barretto Street. Go halfway up the blockto the red door on the right.

#19 BUS

Take the #19 bus to Southern Boulevard. Cross under the Bruckner Expressway toGarrison Avenue (1 Block). Make a right onto Garrison Avenue and walk twoblocks to Barretto Street. Make a left. Go halfway up the block to the reddoor on the right.

#5 BUS

Take the #5 to Hunts Point Avenue and Bruckner Blvd. . Cross under theBruckner Expressway to Garrison Avenue (1 Block). Make a right onto GarrisonAvenue and walk two blocks to Barretto Street. Make a left and go halfway upthe block to the red door on the right.)

WANTED: ACTORS, Spanish speaking (fluent)

2009-03-07T18:57:00.001-05:00

The production house of "Las Comadres con Gloria B", MapiTV, is looking for ACTORS, Spanish speaking (fluent) and non-union, for their film project titled "El arte de amar" written by Mapi Montero & ChuySánchez, to be directed by Jorge Merced. The film is scheduled to shoot in June/July of 2009.

Breakdown:

Magdalena, 40-50, Dominican, religious, caring mother.
Rafael, 40-50, Dominican, caring father, homophobic.
Jesús, 17-23, Dominican, obedient son, in the closet about his sexual orientation.
Minerva, 15-18, Dominican, vivacious daughter, loves her family.
Padre, 50-70, Any Latino ethnicity, experienced Catholic priest.
Juan, 25-35, Any Latino ethnicity, financial analyst, successful, educated, preppy, boyfriend of Gabriel.
Gabriel, 25-35, Mexican, painter, free spirit, boyfriend of Juan.
Pepe, 20-30, Mexican, factory worker, humble, family man.
Lucha, 20-30, Mexican, housewife, hard worker, intelligent.
Poncho, 40-60, Mexican, factory worker, funny.
Mari Lucha, 40-60, Mexican, factory worker, responsible.
Ponchito, 13-16, Mexican, bright student, curious.
Fabiola, 25-35, Argentinian, trans woman, sweet, survivor.
Connie, 30-40, Any Latino ethnicity, businesswoman, generous.
Joven, 15-20, thug, ignorant.
Cherrie, 30-45, Puerto Rican, caring, passionate, engaged to Gloria.
Gloria, 30-45, Colombian, university professor, engaged to Cherrie.
Ines, 50-70, Colombian, mother, spicy, wise.

Auditions will take place on Sunday, March 15 from 12-5pm at:

Casa Puebla
2710 Broadway, 2nd Floor (on the corner of 104th)
New York, NY 10025

Please bring headshot/resume. Sides will be provided at the time of audition.

If you are unable to attend the audition, but want to be considered, please send headshot/resume to:

Estudios Mapitv Entertainment Group Inc.
Attn: Chuy Sánchez
500 Belleville TurnPike
North Arlington, NJ 07031

or by email to chuchochuy@gmail.com

My first dance recietal

2009-01-01T20:58:00.004-05:00

RALPH NADER IS A RACIST!

2008-11-07T10:41:00.000-05:00

I am angry and disappointed this morning when I found out that the man I voted for president may be a racist. I am an Independent and I voted for Ralph Nader because I believe in a country with three or more political parties instead of the two-party system we have in the USA where each party take turns being in power and nothing gets done for the people they are supposed to serve.

I was watching fox news last night and they had Ralph Nader on defending his statement "To put it very simply, he [Barack Obama] is our first African American president, or he will be. And we wish him well. But his choice, basically, is whether he is going to be Uncle Sam for the people of this country or Uncle Tom for the giant corporations."

As a Black American I was extremely offended at this statement and as a Ralph Nader supporter I felt betrayed and what was even more shocking, Fox News gave him a chance to say what he wanted to say using different wording and he refused.

"Uncle Tom" has a very negative connotation that I’m not sure Barrack Obama has even experienced.

Bararack Obama, (in my opinion), have not lived the “black” experience to the extreme of labeling him such. If Mr. Nader knew any thing about Barrack’s background, he would know that Barrack’s heritage doesn’t consist of slavery and years of oppression. For Nader to use the term “Uncle Tom” with Barrack Obama is racist at best; just because he’s black doesn’t make him a black American. Barrack Obama is an African American; you don’t have to be black to be an African American. A person with skin white as snow born in South Africa and becomes a U.S. citizen is an African American.

Mr. Ralph Nader owes Barrack Obama an apology. He owes the black race an apology and above all he owes his supporters an apology. Until then I will no longer support a racist Ralph nadir for president.

Eric Booth

Barack Obama Superstar

2008-08-24T14:29:00.002-05:00

The Singing Buddha

2008-08-19T18:43:00.002-05:00

The 1st International Caribbean Art Fair NYC

2008-07-20T10:09:00.004-05:00

AUDITIONS FOR NEW FILM/SOAP OPERA

2008-06-07T15:22:00.003-05:00

Looking for black actors who are 250+ lbs. for a new film/soap opera about black gay men surviving in a gay white-perfect bodied society.

July 12, 2008 from 12 noon - 3pm
at the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance
841 Barretto Street
Bronx, NY 10474
718-842-5223

you will be reading from the script

NO PAY AND NO NUDITY

www.blackbeauties.tv

Tattoos

2008-04-27T14:58:00.001-05:00

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

2008-01-22T20:22:00.001-05:00

WATCH OUR CORNER

2008-01-13T20:13:00.000-05:00

TELEVISION MAGAZINE FOR ALL PARTS OF THE LATINO & BLACK COMMUNITY
TUESDAY - January 14, 2008
9:00 AM

LIVE PERFORMANCESFROM THE CAST OF
GHETTO CHRONICLES
This program was originally aired last year.

GHETTO CHRONICLES is a critically acclaimed off-Broadway play that presents slices of life in a poignant, and at times humorous, but always entertaining - manner. It is a powerful piece of work.
GHETTO CHRONICLES contains outstanding performances from a cast that is brimming with energy - and performs the sharp dialog and snappy musical numbers with an enthusiasm rarely seen in the theater.
GHETTO CHRONICLES also features performances from Latino stars:

NACHO ESCOBAR
&
THA HEIGHTS D. WHIT & EMMITT THROWER - two of the leading producers within New York City theater are also interviewed about their production of GHETTO CHRONICLES
OUR CORNER
Every Tuesday - 9:00 am

Channel 56 - MNN Television Network
Channel 83 - RCN Television Network
Internet - www.mnn.org - Channel 56

GOOD NEWS!!!!!!!

In the very near future, OUR CORNER will be aired on local TV channels thru out New York State - in addition to several other states & countries.
OUR CORNER is going international!!!
¡Es verdad, amigos!
Some other programs with a progressive viewpoint:
COMMUNITY COP - "Live" - Every Tuesday - 5 pm - Channel 34
DVTV - "Live" - Every Tuesday - 10:30 pm - Channel 67
MANUEL RIVERA
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

NO CHRISTMAS MUSIC ON STRANGE FRUIT RADIO

2007-12-24T07:39:00.000-05:00

http://www.frutaextrana.tv/fxtv_newsletter3.html

THIS WEEKEND ON FRUTA EXTRANA TV

2007-12-21T20:34:00.000-05:00

NOMINATED FOR BEST TALK SHOW

Asler Valero interviews Latin American stars, the famous fashion designer Giovanni Scutaro and Venezuela TV personality Viviana Gibelli...
Mabel Vallejos lee los signos para Diciembre...

More Mudo Chic with Asler Valero's interview with Ari Gold...

Take a tour with Giovanna Castillo at the Safe Space Youth Center renovated space donated by Oprah Winfry

Spend Halloween onLine with Teddy!

CUBAN HIPHOP WITH KRUDAS CUBENSI

Wanna win a free $50 gift certificate from the Pink Pussy Cat Boutique? Listen to Strange fruit radio

FXTV is produced by Fruta Extrana Inc., a non-profit organization841 Barretto StreetBronx, New York 10474(718) 842-5223info@frutaextrana.org

Don't Miss Ari Gold, the gay Hip Hop Star on Fruta Extrana TV this Sunday

2007-12-04T20:00:00.000-05:00

Don't Forget Our Fundraiser this Saturday

2007-12-02T04:25:00.000-05:00

campaign against the HRA

2007-11-30T19:54:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,
Hope everyone is doing well. So TJ is planning on developing a campaign against the HRA. I was wondering if any of you have any already compiled data on varying experiences that any of your TGNCPOC clients have dealt with i.e. surveys, complaint forms, anything that TJ can use to share with Robert Doar, Commissioner of HRA. TJ will be working on creating written and video taped statements of peoples varying experiences with discrimination at the HRA. Any help that you could provide will be greatly appreciated.
Elizabeth Marie Rivera
TransJustice Coordinator
The Audre Lorde Project
85 South Oxford St.,
Brooklyn, NY 11217
E: erivera@alp.orgP:
(718)596-0342 x18
Join us at www.myspace.com
transjusticenycwww.alp.org ~ Donate Today!

The Matthew Shepard Act in danger of passing

2007-11-29T20:07:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody,
The Matthew Shepard Act, a critical Federal hate crimes law, haspassed both houses of Congress. But it's in serious danger ofnot becoming law if we don't act now. The House and Senate arereconciling their versions of the bill, and it's hit a politicalsnag. They'll make their final decisions very soon. Will you take one minute and send a message to Congress tellingthem to make sure the Matthew Shepard Act makes it to PresidentBush's desk for signature? Please take action right now!
Go to:http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/DoD_HateCrimes

from Izzy Ruiz

WORLD AIDS DAY QUESTIONS?

2007-11-25T16:07:00.000-05:00

Recent informatin shows declining infections, but for men under 30 in Chelsea and Harlem, infection rates are still a serious issue. I am writing an article for Chelsea Now newspaper on World AIDS Day, and would love to speak to men who live in New York on this subject. I am interested in hearing answers to the following questions:

1. First name

2. Age

3. Is AIDS less of an issue now that people are living longer with the drug?

4. For men under 30, who do not remember the way the community suffered massive losses in the 80's and early 90's, does concern about prevention impact your daily lives?

5. Do you think people view AIDS as a disease that you can easily live with if well-medicated, like diabetes, or do people still view it as dangerous and deadly?

6. Have you noticed a decrease or increase in safer sex practices among your friends and peers?

I can be reached via email or phone mailto:phonerlb2133@columbia.edu

Rachel Breitman 917-992-9848

Fruta Extrana Fundraiser

2007-11-14T12:14:00.000-05:00

Fruta Extrana Inc. & Caliente with Dr. Charley Ferrer

Fundraiser Celebration

Dear Friends:

Only four more weeks till our big event and we are hard at work to bring you the best Fundraiser ever.

Prizes & Giveaways: (more coming in daily)

Artwork – Daniel Delvalle, Hector Canonge, and Pepe Villegas

Hair Makeover – Oscar Da Silva

Day Spa sessions -- Oasis Spa

Traditional Spanish Feast – Midnight Staffing Event, Chelf Ronaldo Carmona

Beverages – Inca Kola & NYGLT Chamber of Commerce

3 Days/2 nights Hotel Stay – Friendly Travel

Entertainment – A Special Surprise treat

Space is limited, please RSVP and join us on this special day as we raise funds and celebrate our Nomination as Best TV Talk Show 2007.

When: December 8, 2007, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Where: 44 East 32^nd Street, 11^th Floor, Manhattan (Btw Park & Madison)

Admission: Free

(However, we hope you’ll make a donation to help us raise the $4500 a month we need to get on Cable TV)

Caliente with Dr. Charley Ferrer is the ONLY bi-lingual show on relationships and sexuality. Our show is full of marvelous advise on relationships and sexual issues for every perspective—Straight, GLBT, Kinky, and everything in between. Caliente with Dr. Charley is co-produced by the Institute of Pleasure and Fruta Extrana.

Live with passion,

Dr. Charley

Dr. Charley Ferrer

Institute of Pleasure

Sponsors:

Maya Azucena on Strange Fruit Radio

2007-11-11T22:02:00.000-05:00

Maya Azucena on Strange Fruit Radio 11/12/07 - 9:32; 10:30; 13:47; 14:42; 18:23; 20:29; 21:07; 23:02 and on 11/13/07 - 12:07

and on Fruta Extrana TV

Krudas Cubansi

2007-11-11T21:30:00.000-05:00

Cuban Hiphop on Fruta Extrana TV and on Fruta Extrana Radio

Strange Fruit Radio is on NOW!

2007-11-03T07:34:00.000-05:00

OUR FIRST FUNDRAISER

2007-10-31T11:40:00.001-05:00

Spend Halloween with US!

2007-10-24T08:22:00.001-05:00

Wanna win $50 gift certificate from the pink pussy cat boutique?

2007-10-23T10:29:00.000-05:00

Click on the image to get all the details

STRANGE FRUIT RADIO WEEKEND SPECIAL!

2007-10-13T09:47:00.000-05:00

All this weekend Strange Fruit Radio for 48 hours will play music from the 70's and 2006's, songs that you don't hear on the radio but at your favorite Club...plus hear the Ruben Thomas show with interviews from participants in the Bronx Pride Picnic and the 2007 NYC Gay Pride Parade plus excerpts from his show from Hunts Point! All for you boogie-down people in the Bronx...TUNE IN TO YOUR LGBTQ BRONX RADIO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Watch a preview of Strange Fruits upcoming video

2007-09-30T11:50:00.001-05:00

UMBRELLAS BY STRANGE FRUITS

2007-09-25T20:14:00.000-05:00

MNN Block Party this Saturday

2007-09-12T08:56:00.001-05:00

Strange Fruits / Fruta Extrana's commercial will be featured at the block party!

Strange Fruits Clip will be in the Fire Island Film Festival

2007-08-27T08:05:00.000-05:00

Fire Island Film and Video Festival

September 12 - 15, 2007

Visiting the Grove for the Fire Island Film & Video Festival September 12th-15th?

Make an online reservation for 3 or more nights BEFORE September 7,

and simply type in promotional code FilmFest and receive a 50% discount.

www.grovehotel.com

Thursday, September 13

9 :30 PM – Drag Show Video Verite

(Clips curated by *Joe E. Jeffreys, Edited by *Seth S. Hauer)

It’s the ultimate New York City drag show…on videotape.

Drag Show Video Vérité brings together 30 some clips spanning 35 plus years of rare and never before publicly screened video footage capturing the faces and places, past and present, of New York City’s drag scene over the past 35 plus years. A history lesson, aesthetic exploration and celebration of the New York City drag communities’ rich diversity, the screening aims to introduce you to some of today’s notable male and female impersonators as well as acquaint or reunite you with the legends who exist now only in memory and on video tape.

Featuring footage of: Paul Ambrose, Kevin Aviance, Jackie Beat, Lady Bunny, Jim Bailey, Charles Busch, Cashetta, Candis Cayne, Charity, Christina, International Chrysis, Lavinia Co-op, Jayne County, Jackie Curtis, Candy Darling, Sister Dimension, Derrick in a Dress, Ethyl Eichelberger, Mistress Formika, Zondra Foxx, Gassy, Rudy Giuliani, Murray Hill, Kitt Holiday, Jimmy James, Marsha P. Johnson, Jacqueline Jonée, Christopher Jones, Chitah Daniels Kennedy, Kiki and Herb, Michael Lynch, Lypsinka, Macha, Agosto Machado, Shelly Mars, Jim Michaels, Milan, Mia Monique, Mario Montez, Billie Nelson, Noche, Raven O, Hapi Phace, Charles Pierce, Rollerena, Rose Royalle, RuPaul, Flawless Sabrina, Shaboomboom, Linda Simpson, Jaimee Sommers, Sweetie, Switch N’ Play, Tabboo!, Aurora Van Davenport, Lahoma Van Zandt, Vikie Victoria, Sherry Vine, Jesse Volt, Gusty Winds, and Holly Woodlawn plus many more.

And featuring a special slide show of Derrick Little’s photos of the NYC downtown drag scene over the last dozen years with live piano accompaniment by concert pianist/drag diva Jacqueline Jonée.

2 Strange Fruits TV cast members passed away

2007-08-24T08:47:00.000-05:00

Roger A. McCarthy was the youngest son of Coraline McCarthy and the Late Anthony Grimes.

He was born in St. Michael, Barbados.
He resided in the Bronx for the better part of his life after moving from Maryland.

He is a college graduate with a degree in Gerontology (Care of the aged) thus why he spend most of his time helping and caring for others – Among his many accomplishments Roger enjoyed traveling, cooking, shopping, entertaining and spending quality time with friends and family.

He was active with various organizations volunteering at GMHC, Callen-Loarde Community Center, GMOB and participated in many Bronx cultural activities and events sponsored by The Point, BADD, Frutas- Extaña and Strange Fruits.

Roger will be missed by the many friends, families and people whom he touched and have shared and spent time with.

Eugene Compson, director of the senior dance grupe, Jazzy Randolph Dancers, was part of three scenes in the latest Strange Fruits Episodes as an extrana at "Beebe's Garden Party".

Also "Eugene Compson is a incredible dancer, choreographer, writer and uncle. His life

experience has been expressed in his dancing.

Naoko has seen many dance companies and worked for the theater company as a composer and performer. But Eugene was the first dancer inspired her to write a song for him which is no.8”Revolution”. Eugene used this song for his solo piece to contribute to his mother. "

WANTED ARTISTS EROTIC DANCERS DRAG QUEENS FOR 2 MUSIC VIDEOS

2007-07-27T19:41:00.001-05:00

ARTISTS WANTED
more information

DRAG QUEENS & TRANSGENDERS WANTED
more information

Erotic Male Dancers WANTED
more information

Volunteers Needed
more information

Advertisers/Sponsors Needed
PLACE YOUR PRODUCT IN OUR VIDEO!
more information

Environmental Justice

2007-07-10T17:29:00.000-05:00

Hunts Point Hustle now playing on Current TV

Environmental Justice
through innovative, economically sustainable projects
that are informed by the needs of the community.
Founded in 2001 by life-long Hunts Point resident, Majora Carter, SSB also addresses land-use, energy, transportation, water and waste policy, and education in order to advance the environmental and economic rebirth of the South Bronx to inspire solutions in areas like it across the nation and the globe.

Strange Fruit Radio Program Guide

2007-07-08T21:51:00.001-05:00

http://www.frutaextrana.org/radioprogram.html

The sadness of Vrindavan

2007-07-05T11:30:00.000-05:00

Tell me why?

Do I stand alone to die...
Do I Follow shadows of dust...
My begging for death is not enough...
Tell me why?

Tell me why?
The cycle of life and death is eternal...
The pain and joy is definite...
Love turns to hate and indiffernce...

Tell me why?
Tell me why?
Tell me why?
Tell me why?
Tell me why?
Tell me why?
Tell me why?
Tell me why?
Tell me why?
Tell me why?
Tell me why?
Tell me why?
Tell me why?
Tell me why?
Tell me why?
Tell me why?
Tell me why?

by Eric Booth

Strange Fruit and Fruta Extrana’s Maiden Voyage

2007-07-01T10:42:00.000-05:00

Into The New York City Gay Pride Parade

by Ruben Thomas

Program Manager/Producer/Actor (Justin)

Sunday, June 24, 2007 was the New York City Annual Gay PrideParade, which took place in Manhattan, along Fifth Avenue, thefamous thoroughfare that divides the numbered streets of theborough of Manhattan (known to the world as New York, New York)into east and west. It was Eric Stephen Booth’s first timepromoting the Strange Fruit and Fruta Extrana franchises in thisvenue with a float, which comprised of a small, however modest,pick-up truck. The Strange Fruit banner, which is the same banneryou see on our web site, was draped about the vehicle for theentire world to see.

The parade began officially at high noon. I arrived shortlybefore a quarter of 12 to find that we were not only travelingdown Fifth Avenue, but that we were one of the first floats to beseen by the spectators. It was also evident of how early we werein the parade in that when we finally arrived at Christopher andGreenwich Streets at about 4.00 p.m. (one of the last streets wewould cover); the last of the floats would eventually hit thatsame corner well past 6.00 p.m. --- OVER TWO HOURS LATER!!

Along for the fun, support and representation were Michael Lynchand Appolonia Cruz, who performed such remarkably superbperformances at the Bronx Academy of Arts of Dance (841 BarrettoStreet, Bronx, New York 10474,http://www.bronxacademyofartsanddance.org/) on the weekend of the day ofthe parade (Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 23 respectively).Michael and Appolonia, along with Rubi di Glamour, a friend ofAppolonia’s, graced the parade-goers with their very beautifuland colorful outfits. Believe me as you read this: they were veryeye-catching ensembles, for later that day and evening, the localNew York television channels showed on their news broadcast,among many of their chosen clips of the parade for their viewers,one of showing our float with these three divas representingStrange Fruit and Fruta Extrana, while charming the crowds.

Many of the Strange Fruit cast and crew were also on hand toproudly march in the parade: Robert Preston (Robert and CockneyDai), Carol Madron (Delores), her real-life life partner IsabelGonzalez (Madame Zelda), and Damon White (stage performer, voiceactor and one of the cameramen for Strange Fruit and FrutaExtrana), who graced the spectators with their presence.

Also, on the float and march doing same were: Nicholas Lopez (whohad a major role in Eric’s movie Tell Tale Lives, and performedin music videos for Strange Fruit TV), Daniel DelValle (aprominent photographer whose work you see on our StrangeFruit/Fruta Extrana web pages), James Monaghan (Brandy Alexanderand Jeffrey Cunanan, Baby Detective), and myself (Justin), whorecorded the coverage of the parade onto a tape recorder forlater Internet broadcast. And especially, last but never least--- Eric Stephen Booth, who drove the float. (I would like tomake note that Mr. Monaghan, during my interview with him forStrange Fruit Radio, was very proud to say that he has marched inevery parade [except two] since its trailblazing inception in1970. He detailed how difficult it was in the beginning and howthe parade has changed since.)

Accompanying the cast and crew and Ms. di Glamour, we hadadditional Strange Fruit and Fruta Extrana supporters, friendsand life partners taking extra pictures and marching along withus: Rubi di Glamour’s boyfriend Michael Wark and Robert Tucker.Both Wark and Tucker are photographers.

Also on hand, but on another float, which would arrive aroundChristopher and Greenwich well over an hour after our passingthat corner, was Cheer New York (http://www.cheerny.org/), in which TeddyAlexandro-Evans, one of the hosts of Fruta Extrana, is a memberand was marching with. Mr. Alexandro-Evans, along with some helpfrom Mr. White, taped an installment of Fruta Extrana before, andafter, the parade.

Cheer New York, to quote their website, “is a non-profit all-volunteer cheerleading squad that combines cheers, gymnastics,dance and acrobatic stunts into a professional and exhilaratingcrowd-pleasing performance.” It is also described in a GoogleSearch as “a volunteer cheerleading and dance squad by and forthe LGBTS community.”

The Strange Fruit/Fruta Extrana float began and turned down 56thStreet and 5th Avenue a few minutes after 12 o’clock in theafternoon. The weather was just perfect; it was sunny, therewasn’t a rain cloud in the sky and the temperature was justright. The spectators went wild as our float paraded past them.They waved and cheered as they took pictures and videos of us.

Being on the float and marching, rather than being in the crowdwatching the procession from any generic 5th Avenue streetcorner, I was astonished by the incredibly huge oceans of peoplethat came out to see the parade that sunny day.

There was such a great mixture of male and female spectatorsalike: individuals, couples, groups, entire families withchildren in tow, from all walks of life, were standing behind theparade barriers, many of them grasping onto them as if for dearlife, and taking in what passed them on the street with suchamazement that reminds me of children walking the humungousaisles of a huge toy store on Christmas Eve.

Many of those there watching the parade was captivated in manyways by the presence of the marchers and other paradeparticipants. Some appeared to be spellbound; others wereecstatic, while still others were hysterical with glee and proudof the fact that we were all there in full effect. Honestly, ifthere were any opposition in attendance at the parade, theyobviously would have been drowned away into obscurity by thejoyous screams of happiness that emanated like the never-endingdance party on the Welcome Pier on the shore of the Land of aThousand Dances. People were on their tiptoes and jumping up anddown in the crowds to catch glimpses of us. Many even held way upin the air their digital and video devices (some were tiltingtheir viewfinders back to earth to be personal broadcasters tothe people immediately around them), turning themselves intosorts of human periscopes to capture what they can, much in themanner of being in the belly of a submarine in the deepest depthsof the Pacific Ocean, observing, searching and surveying for whatmay be around them.

As we passed 23rd Street, and especially toward and going past14th Street, I was amazed at the change of population on thesidewalks; not so much as what kind of people was there as muchas how many people were in attendance. At this point each side of5th Avenue seemed to have swelled to the level that thereappeared to be almost no sidewalk for passersby to get to theirdestinations if they were not witnessing the yearly event.

It was evident that folks walking down this avenue in these areaswould be better off using Broadway, Madison and Park Avenues(east of Fifth Avenue), and 6th & 7th Avenues (on the west ofFifth Avenue) instead of attempting their way through the crowd.I am very sure all of those businesses along the entire strip (aswell as nearby areas) profited very, very well that day.

I must say that this was a very impressive parade that I’veenjoyed coming to for the last several years --- but this time Iwas a participant. It is also a landmark experience in my life asthis was the first time I ever marched in the New York CityAnnual Gay Pride Parade.

In other words, instead of me being the spectator, THE SPECTATORSWERE WATCHING ME!! (Among others, of course!)

Thank you, Eric, for helping me found the guts to do what I did.The decision I made was very last minute and is one I have notand never will regret. I can’t wait for next year and the yearafter that and the year after that, and so on!!

Ruben Thomas Friday, June 29, 2007

The Gallery

The Radio

The Website

Mr. Eric Booth Awarded the OUT LIKE THAT Award!

2007-06-26T18:33:00.000-05:00

BAAD! aka Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance present the OUT LIKE THAT Award 2007 to Mr. Eric Booth at their last night of the event on Saturday June 23rd. Mr. Booth definitely did not expect it and would not have arrived to accept it if it wasn't for Casandra insistance the he be there to see the closing night of the Out Like That festival with the Drag Queen show. Mr. Booth is happy to accept the award and intends to keep pluging away in the black/Latino LGBTQ Bronx Community

After 10 years of Broadcasting, WE MARCHED!

2007-06-26T17:18:00.000-05:00

I want to thank all of our fans, cast and crew who marched with us on June 24: James Monaghan, Robert Preston, Daniel Delvalle, Isabel gonzalez, Carol Mardon, Ruben Tomas, Teddy Alexandro-Evans, Damon White, Michael Lynch, Michael the photographer, Appolonia's Indian Friend, Nicholas Lopez, Eric Booth and the plethora of fans who came over to congraduate us but couldn't march with us because of previous commitments to march with other LGBTQ groups.

http://www.frutaextrana.tv/galeria05.htm

Was Bronx Pride 2007 dealt the Homophobia Card?

2007-06-22T07:46:00.000-05:00

June 20, 2007

Adrian Benepe, Commissioner
New York City Department of Parks and Recreation
The Arsenal
850 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10021

Dear Commissioner Benape:

On Saturday, June 16th, the Bronx Community Pride Center held our Gay Pride Cultural Celebration at Barretto Point Park in the Bronx. The event was a great success – we were joined by Harlem United Community AIDS Center, Citizens Advice Bureau, Positive Health Project, Amnesty International, African Ancestral Lesbians United for Social Change, The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center, St. Lukes Hospital, South Bronx Health Center for Children and Families, Adolescent AIDS Program at Montefiore Medical Center, New York City Department of Health and Mental Health, Empire State Pride Agenda, Channel 12 News, Hepteam New York, Hetrick Martin Institute, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, Hispanic AIDS Forum, Heritage of Pride, Citiwide Harm Reduction, Planned Parenthood, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, Marriage Equality, Right Rides, and Bronx AIDS Services. Unfortunately, the success of the day was jeopardized by the attitude and behavior of Parks Department staff. Instead of cooperating with my staff, volunteers and community organizations to plan and run a successful day, Parks Department personnel, at nearly every turn, attempted to obstruct our plans, and consistently presented undisguised hostility toward our event. More seriously, on the day of the event, Parks Department staff continuously harassed my staff, volunteers, representatives of Community-Based Organizations and the public attendees of the Celebration. We are disappointed by the Park staff’s negativity and refusal to work cooperatively, and we seek your help in an effort to prevent a recurrence of this behavior, so that we can all look forward to the 2008 Bronx Pride Celebration.

The event was sited at Barretto Point Park after our requests for four other locations were denied, and the Parks Department’s offer to place us at Crotona Park was withdrawn. The Department presented Barretto Point as our only alternative. As you know, this park is a beautiful gem, but small and distant from public transportation. Although the location presented obstacles, we pushed forward with our plans, securing participation from major health providers and community not-for-profits. We also provided private shuttle buses at the #6 subway stop at Hunts Point and Longwood Ave as Barretto Park is one mile from the train station. But only days before the event, Parks Department officials informed us that we would not be allowed to have any of our community groups located at tables in the park. Since it was far too late to obtain closing of the street outside the park, the Department’s position threatened to effectively shut down the celebration. At a meeting at the park, two days before the event, we reached an agreement with the Department that we would place the tables on the concrete pathways, so that the sod would be protected from damage from chairs and tables. The public would not be using the paths, but would walk unfettered on the lawn. We also agreed on the location for the large trailers from Bronx AIDS Services, Citiwide Harm Reduction, and Hispanic AIDS Forum on the street, the location for our rented Port–o-sans and the registration table. It was also agreed that a small tent would be put up behind the stage area, to serve as a changing room for performers, and that plans for a protective structure to be erected over the stage area would be sent to the Department for approval.

On the day of the event, as I noted above, Park officials and employees behaved in an egregiously hostile, uncooperative manner. Between our initial meeting at the park and the day of the event, several additional community groups had asked to join the celebration and set up tables to distribute information. We also had two additional vendors present. This was a positive development. But instead of working with us to accommodate the additional participants, Parks Department personnel threatened to confiscate the groups’ materials, and continuously harassed event participants. Without any specific explanation of its objections, the Department refused to allow any shelter to be erected over the stage, other than a small tarp to cover the public address equipment. At every turn, Parks Department personnel threatened and obstructed the operations of the day. This behavior was not motivated by a desire to protect the park lawn; we all were committed to that value, and stayed within the agreed parameters. (We kept all table legs off the sod, despite the fact that the day before the event, several gatherings were observed at the park by my staff, where tables and chairs were permitted on the lawn.)

Throughout the day, Parks Department staff pestered, nitpicked and threatened. They consistently refused to work with us to resolve problems, choosing instead to aggravate them, constantly attempting to limit the participation of community groups and the public. Park staff tried to force us to end our entertainment by six p.m., despite our sound permit, which was valid until eight. This inhospitable, hostile attitude was strongly experienced by me, my staff, and the staff of the participating groups.

Our parks are a vital resource, and essential to the health and vibrancy of our City. The Bronx LGBT community cannot allow itself to be excluded from access to this resource. We also cannot tolerate the expression of insidious prejudice that we experienced at the hands of Parks Department personnel at our Pride Day Celebration. I believe that you and the entire Administration share our concerns and our goal of a tolerant, open, vibrant City. I ask that you join me in exploring ways to address the problem we encountered this week and plan for a more successful experience in 2008. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Lisa Winters, Esq.
Executive Director

Strange Fruits at Lincoln Center; Drag Show Video Vérité

2007-06-18T22:06:00.000-05:00

New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

Bruno Walter Auditorium40 Lincoln Center Plaza (Best entrance for auditorium 111Amsterdam Avenue)

New York, NY

Thursday, June 21, 2007

6pm

Admission: Free

Dress: You DecideSeating:

First come first served

For seating information: (212) 642-0142

Its the ultimate NYC drag show; on video tape.An evening of rare and never before publicly screened videoclips, Drag ShowVideo Vérité brings together a cavalcade of the legendary facesand places, past and present, that have made NYC’s dragscene over the past 35 plus'years.

Footage includes:

Paul Ambrose, Kevin Aviance, Jackie Beat, azmine Manolo, Blahnik,Brandall, Lady Bunny, Jim Bailey, Charles Busch, Cashetta,Charity, Christina, International Chrysis, Lavinia Co-op, JayneCounty, Jackie Curtis, Candy Darling, Sister Dimension, Derrickin a Dress, Ethyl Eichelberger, Mistress Formika, Zondra Foxx,Gassy, Rudy Giuliani, Murray Hill, Kit Holiday, Jimmy James,Marsha P. Johnson, Jacqueline Jonée, Christopher Jones, ChitahDaniels Kennedy, Kiki and Herb, Michael Lynch, Lypsinka, Macha,Agosto Machado, Shelly Mars, Jim Michaels, Milan, Billie Nelson,Noche, Hapi Phace, Charles Pierce, Rollerena, Rose Royalle,RuPaul, Flawless Sabrina, Shaboomboom, Linda Simpson, JaimeeSommers, Sweetie, Switch N; Play, Tabboo!, Aurora VanDavenport,Lahoma Van Zandt, Vikie Victoria, Sherry Vine, Jesse Volt, GustyWinds, and Holly Woodlawn plus many more. A special slide show ofDerrick Little's photos of the 1990s downtown drag scene withlive piano accompaniment provided by drag concert pianistJacqueline Jonée will also be featured.

Maurice Hines talks to Fruta Extrana TV

2007-06-14T08:25:00.000-05:00


Hey there! Your friend eric booth wants you
 to check out this video on
the Current TV website:

http://www.current.tv/watch/50566491?list=newVidsByProducer&filterone=164&filtertwo=-1&sid=50566491&fr=0

HERITAGE OF PRIDE PARADE - COME JOIN US!

2007-06-11T11:47:00.001-05:00

COME JOIN US IN OUR 10 YEAR CELEBRATION BY MARCHING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NYC GAY PARADE!

Email us for further details Click Here

The "Puerto Rican Day Parade, Remixed" exhibit reception story.......

2007-06-10T00:25:00.000-05:00

Hi Folks,
For those of you whom I met and chatted with at the reception, hello again and let's stay in touch. Here's an e-zine article I've just written (with photos) about the "Puerto Rican Day Parade, Remixed" exhibit reception:
http://www.nowpublic.com/american_ethnic_parades_as_forms_of_cultural_performance

You can also see photos and read additional info on my FLICKR set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/artedelares/sets/72157600331421667/ as well as in my
"Puerto Rican Day Parade, Remixed" FLICKR group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/393849@N23/

I hope you enjoy your photos. Since I didn't know everyones names (in the captions), please send any I missed by email or as a FLICKR comment. If you'd like to get your own JPG of an image just drop me an email. Your comments and suggestions will be welcome! Happy Puerto Rican Day Parade to everyone! Que viva Puerto Rico!!!!!

forwarded by Daniel Delvalle

Puerto Rican Day Parade Remix.

2007-06-07T21:18:00.000-05:00

The place was packed to the walls with people and the atmosphere was warm and friendly . Interesting characters moving about conversing and chatting while viewing a variety of works. Some of the artist submitted interesting works on paper , colorful computer graphics, sculpture, two installations; which included a beautiful young women dressed in a provocative multi-colored mermaid outfit. All in all she was fun eye candy for some and don't think she will be around after the opening. They'll probably place a mannequin for the duration of exhibit. ha ha ha!
Photographers were clicking many pictures as well as video coverage, the process was a bit long as I was the last person interviewed. I didn't get out til 10:00pm. but enjoyed the experience. Spoke briefly to art historian Yasmin Ramirez who was co-curator of exhibit. She was real sweet
while making the rounds to other artist and guests. I sensed she was a bit overwhelmed with the large turnout but also excited and thrilled. Poet Bobby Gonzalez, former Puerto Rican political prisoner Dylcia Pagan, and Gail Nathan, director of Bronx River Arts Center
were in attendance. I exchanged info with several artist , a photographer and hopefully will receive photos of event via e-mail.

Check out OP-ARTS web-site. They are a collective group of artist that produce a diverse and eclectic range of talent and they have a real cool web-site. Hopefully in the future they may be able to showcase their talents at The Bronx River Art Gallery.

Adios - Daniel Delvalle

COME JOIN US IN THE NYC GAY PRIDE MARCH! SUNDAY JUNE 24th 11 am

2007-06-05T10:25:00.001-05:00

After 10 years we are still making news!
We are planning some big events for Strange Fruits 10 years on BronxNet, Our first event will be marching in the NYC Gay Parade for the first time. We plan to get some t-shirts made. If you plan to march with us in the parade, a $5 donation for a t-shirt will help us tremendously.

Thanks

Eric Booth

gay.march@frutaextrana.tv

WE LAUNCH A RADIO STATION FOR OUR STRANGE FRUITS FANS! AND WE ARE LIVE!

Ruben Thomas is our Program Manager and we are looking for programming for our Internet Radio Station. If you have any strange fruity content for the radio contact Ruben Thomas/Program Manager

program.manager@strangefruits.tv

We will not be Silenced! TransJustice Mobilizes Activists from All Social Justice Movements to Take Action!

2007-05-31T13:28:00.000-05:00

New York City, NY – May 31, 2007 TransJustice calls
on the Trans and Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC)
community and allies of many movements to join them
for the 3rd Annual Trans Day of Action for Social and
Economic Justice on Friday, June 22nd. The march
starts at W. 41st St. between 9th and 10th Ave. around
4:30 p.m. TransJustice hopes to surpass the numbers of
attendance march and also the number of organizations
that endorsed the march last year.

TransJustice, a project of the Audre Lorde Project,
the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two-Spirit, and Trans
People of Color Center for Community Organizing, is a
political group by and for Transgender and Gender
Non-conforming people of color who mobilize their
community and allies to action on the pressing
political issues they face.
more information

“I wish there were personal stories of Arab lesbian women like me”

2007-05-31T12:37:00.000-05:00

How many times have you told yourself:
“I wish there were personal stories of Arab lesbian women like me”

No doubt that if there were such a book, you would be among the first women to get hold of it.
We in Aswat share this feeling with you.
We believe it is very important to create such a collection for you. That is why we want our next book to be a collection of personal stories written by Arab lesbian women
What do you think about helping us create this book and helping other women who share your hesitations and doubts to be inspired by yours and other women’s stories?
Maybe you wanted to help the Arab lesbian community in the past but you didn’t want to reveal your identity.Now you can help without being revealed.Do you want to help us in making this dream come true?
Do you want to write your personal story?
In your story you can write about:
The processHow did you know you where a lesbian?When did you know for the first time?How did you feel about your sexual orientation? And why?How did your community react to it?Who was the first person you revealed your orientation to and how did s/he react?What was your family’s role?What was your friends’ role?Who helped you?To whom did you turn for help?How do you feel today about your orientation?Where do you live today and why?What are your dreams and hopes for the future?
These topics are only suggestions, feel free to write in your own style and about what matters to you.
If you feel your writing skills are weak or that you would rather write in a different language, feel free as our staff will be happy to translate or edit your writing.
Write your story because it is important!
For more details please write to ipcoordinator@aswatgroup.org

JOIN US IN THE GAY PRIDE MARCH IN NYC , THE HUNTS POINT HUSTLE & THE BRONX PRIDE

2007-05-29T18:43:00.000-05:00

BRONX PRIDE PICNIC
June 16, 2007
Come join the Strange Fruits cast and Fruta Extrana staff at the 2nd annual Bronx Pride Picnic.
"We are thrilled to bring Bronx Pride in its second year to the Borough,? said Chanel Lopez, chair of the BPC. ?The representatives of the committee have worked very meticulously to provide an event that not only provides food, live musical entertainment and dancing, but is an ideal forum for community members to access information about businesses carrying products and services committed to strengthening the unity and support of the Bronx LGBTQ community."
Please contact us and let us know how many will be joining us at our table,

email us at: bronx.pride@frutaextrana.tv

Hunts Point Hustle 5k Race/Walk

June 17, 2007

The Sustainable South Bronx is having a fundraiser of a 5k Race/Walk on the future path of the South Bronx Greenway. Fruta Extrana TV and Strange Fruits plan to be to give our own Majora Carter, (she played Lilly Rodriguez in the soap opera), our fullest support. Please come in your finest and outrageous outfit to help show Strange Fruits? support.PS: The registration fees are on us!Please contact us and let us know if you would like to participate with Strange Fruits and Fruta Extrana TV in the 5k race/walk,email us at: hunts.point.hustle@frutaextrana.tv

THE 3rd Annual Trans Day of Action

June 22, 2007

Fruta Extrana Inc. is in full support of TransJustice's 3rd Annual Trans Day of Action for Social and Economic Justic Points of Unity; ?We call on our Trans and Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC) community and on all of our allies of many movements to join us for the 3rd Annual Trans Day of Action for Social and Economic Justice. We as Trans and Gender Non-Conforming People of Color recognize the importance of working together alongside other movements to change the world we want to see. We live in a time when we see people of color, immigrants and poor people being disproportionately underserved, facing higher levels of discrimination, under heightened surveillance and experiencing increased violence at the hands of the state. It is critical that we unite and work together towards dismantling the transphobia, racism, classism, sexism, ageism, homophobia and xenophobia that permeates throughout our movements for social justice. Let?s come together to let the world know that Trans and GenderNon-Conforming rights will not be undermined and together we will not be silenced!Please contact us and let us know if you would like to join Fruta Extrana TV in the march, email us at: tgnc.march@frutaextrana.tv

Heritage of Pride Parade

June 24, 2007
This year is Strange Fruits soap opera's 10th year of broadcasting in the Bronx. We are going to celebrate this 10th year by marching first time ever in the NYC Heritage of Pride Parade. Please contact us and let us know if you would like to march with us at the parade, email us at gay.march@frutaextrana.tv

Alien Abduction

2007-05-27T22:36:00.000-05:00

The year was 1977, the month was December, a week before Christmas, the town of Monticello, New York, somewhere in the area between 7pm and 11pm, that was when the abduction took place, They were experimenting on something, don't know, Who else got abducted that night?

Have a Gay Memorial Weekend

2007-05-25T10:10:00.000-05:00

I am wishing all my LGBTQ service men and women over in Iraq and Afghanistan a safe and peaceful weekend. Also, our LGBTQ veterans over here in the States, may they have a safe and blissful weekend. We don’t hear much about our people out there fighting in the ditches and crevices of war in other countries but they are there putting their lives on the line like every other recruit. I wish them well and may the powers of the universe be with you!

SAVE THE DATE! Friday, June 22nd 3rd Annual Trans

2007-05-23T19:09:00.000-05:00

Stand up for Justice! Stand up for peace! Stand up foryour rights! We call on all transgender and gendernon-conforming community members and our allies tocome, listen, march, and make history. Starting rallyat 4pm at Covenant House (460 West 41st Street, btw9th and 10th Ave.) For more info: 718-596-0342 x 18, Elizabeth Riverainfo4tdoa@alp.org or to endorse: endorsetdoa@alp.orghttp://www.myspace.com/transjusticenyc

HORRIFIC NEW PHOTOS OF IRAN'S TORTURE OF GAYS Plus, 87 Arrested in Raid on "Gay" Party

2007-05-23T19:04:00.000-05:00

Terrifying new photos showing the effects of police lashings last month on an Iranian gay couple have been released by the Iranian Queer Organization. Details and more torture photos below.

Strange Fruit Radio is now LIVE!

2007-05-21T22:39:00.000-05:00

http://www.strangefruitradio.com

Stop by, check out our new videos...

2007-05-20T19:34:00.000-05:00

Charles Rice-Gonzalez

i just love andy gibbby Charles Rice Gonzᬥzdirected by Jorge B. Merced
Roy is a dark-skinned teenager in1978 and Carlos is a forty-something Papi in 2007. Their unlikely meeting is a hiccup in time brought on by a shared fascination with youth, men and pop culture. Can coincidence help these two Bronx Latinos find their footing in time and desire?
more information

SENSUAL COOKING

Our menu is a mouthwatering compendium of some of the best recipes from Cuba. Many of these are family recipes that have traveled from one generation to another and which our family and friends have saved with great zeal and devotion. All of our meals are prepared daily using only the finest, freshest ingredients.
more information

Get In Shape With Izzy
STARTING A WORKOUT PROGRAM?... a) Set small realistic goals b) Celebrate the small successes c) Plan your schedule in advance- when you?re going to workout- what you?re going to do when you get to the gymd) Confidence is important- make sure the gym is close to work or home
more information

GAY PRIDE
For the second year in a row, the Bronx Community Pride Center (BCPC) and the Bronx Pride Committee (BPC) officially announces the Bronx LGBT Pride Festival, which will take place on June 16, 2007 from 12pm-8pm, at Barretto Point Park in the Bronx.
more information

Boogie Down Dance @BAAD!
Arthur Aviles Typical Theatre presents EAR TO GROUNDArthur Aviles Typical Theatre, a Bronx-based contemporary dance company, culminates 10th anniversary season with the premiere of EAR TO GROUND FANTASIA: THINKING NATURE a full evening piece that looks at the foundations upon which cultures and ideas are formed, and the landscapes upon which an artist creates work in a transforming world. The company is led by the award-winning New York Rican choreographer Arthur Aviles and the piece includes a soundscape by Alberto Denis, video work by Damon White and costumes by Liz Prince.
Ari Gold in the Bronx
Will be performing in an exclusive Fruta Extran TV segment
TBA
more information

2nd Annual Bronx Pride Picnic

2007-05-16T12:48:00.000-05:00

Bronx Community Pride Center and Bronx Pride Committee
to host Official Pride Festival at
Barretto Point Park, Bronx

NEW YORK, May 15, 2007 – For the second year in a row, the Bronx Community Pride Center (BCPC) and the Bronx Pride Committee (BPC) officially announces the Bronx LGBT Pride Festival, which will take place on June 16, 2007 from 12pm-8pm, at Barretto Point Park in the Bronx. The theme for this year’s event is “Our Second Year, A New Experience.” Teaming up with this year’s festivities are several major companies and foundations along with a plethora of vendors and service organizations catering to the LGBT community of the Bronx.

“We are thrilled to bring Bronx Pride in its second year to the Borough,” said Chanel Lopez, chair of the BPC. “The representatives of the committee have worked very meticulously to provide an event that not only provides food, live musical entertainment and dancing, but is an ideal forum for community members to access information about businesses carrying products and services committed to strengthening the unity and support of the Bronx LGBTQ community.”

Company sponsors, such as WKTU-FM, ID Lube and HX Media, will be featured throughout the afternoon. Several elected officials will be attending the event. This is the first year that gay pride in the Bronx has had an array of supporters. “The Bronx LGBT community has found its voice,” said Lisa Winters, Executive Director of BCPC. “And because of this, New York City is taking notice.”

Last year, the Bronx Pride Picnic, which was held at Van Cortlandt Park, attracted over 2000 community supporters. The event took place on Saturday, June 17, 2006.

Strange Fruits give Congrads to Charles & Arthur of BAAD!

2007-05-04T10:05:00.000-05:00

Charles Rice-Gonzalez

In addition to being one of BAAD!'s founders and directors, Charles Rice-Gonzalez is a publicist and a writer. He is currently in the MFA Creative Writing Program at Goddard College. He has written several plays including WHAT CARLOS FEELS (1990), SCENE AT THE BRASS KEY (1992), PINK JESUS (1997), THE ARTISTS (produced in 2003) and LOS NUTCRACKERS: A Christmas Carajo (produced in 2004, 2005 and 2006). I JUST LOVE ANDY GIBB, was selected for Pregones Theater's 2005 ASUNCION Play Reading Series and won as the best play of that series. He is currently working on a novel called CHULITO about a tough, sexy hip hop-loving, 16 year old Latino, coming out and coming of age in the South Bronx and the colorful characters in the young man's vibrant neighborhood. He has read his work at BAAD!, The Downtown Bronx Café and at Pepatian productions at Pregones, The Living Room and Bowery Poetry Club. Mr. Rice-Gonzalez attended the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference and has worked with writers David Leavitt, Percival Everett, Helena Maria Viramontes and Sarah Schulman (his faculty advisor at Goddard). Mr. Rice-Gonzalez, along with his lover and partner Arthur Aviles, a Bessie Award- winning dancer/choreographer, Elizabeth Marrero, a comedienne/actress/drag king and Cassandra, a sculptor, runs BAAD! The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, a performance and workshop space in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx they founded in 1998. Charles Rice-Gonzalez also serves on the boards of the Bronx Council on the Arts and NALAC - The National Association of Latino Arts and Culture.
Boogie Down Dance Series in the New York Times
www.BronxAcademyofArtsAndDance.org. The excitement starts Saturday, May 5! Festival includes an evening of choreographers presented by Bill T. Jones; artists in residence from DTW's Outer/Space residency at BAAD!; a special evening curated by Movement Research and the Bronx's Christal Brown; Downtown artists Ann Liv Young and Levi Gonzalez; and a series of concerts that culminate Arthur Aviles Typical Theatre's 10th Anniversary Season and HOT BREAKING NEWS!!! - a jazz/funk master class with Broadway legend Maurice Hines

BAAD!'s own Charles Rice-Gonzalez has a new play, I JUST LOVE ANDY GIBB, and it will produced at Pregones Theatre with Jorge Merced directing. It is part of the Asuncion Playwrights Project.

Log On To A Week of Sex at Fruta Extrana

2007-04-23T22:22:00.000-05:00

Issue #2, Volume #8
Pornography, Is It Good For You?
Porn Star Will Clark talks about his life in the Pornography business with Dr. Charley Ferrer and Izzy Ruiz.
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50 Ways To Please Your Lover...
Super Model Bill Freda is adored and groped by all the women on the panel of "50 Ways To Please Your Lover" hosted by Dr. Charley Ferrer and Giovanna Castillo with writers Pamela Seres and Caridad
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Vampire, Romance & Sexual Freedom...
You've got to watch this segment! Dr. Charley Ferrer and Giovanna Castillo are bitten by real live vampires!
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Being Naughty, Writing Your Own Erotica...
Want to know how to write sexy hot erotica? Click on the more information and watch hot women talk about hot sexy men...
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Vagina Monologues...
PUSSY...CUNT...TWAT...BEAVER...BUSH...FISH... How many ways do you know how to call your vagina? Find out by logging onto Fruta Extraña TV
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Crazyness is only in the eyes of the beholder

2007-04-19T06:22:00.000-05:00

It is interesting how a lot of us love to critize the way things are but are not willing to get up off our asses and so something about it. It is interesting how we see a train wreck in the making but we do nothing about it until it happens and then tell everybody "I knew that would happen"
It's sad that mainstream media drain blood out of a rock on negativiy but never give no more than a blurp to a positive happening. Who is the blame for that? The same people who complains about mainstream media. If everyone didn't like what they see, read or hear in the media they should stop buying their product and go to another source for positive news maybe then mainstream media wouldn't pay so much attention on killing, raping and what have you!
www.strangefruits.tv

Some Black Women are “Bitches and hoes”

2007-04-16T12:58:00.000-05:00

I don’t understand what is all the fess about? Why would any black woman identify themselves with this terminology, “bitches and hoes” is beyond me. When I was in high school I asked one of my fellow student why did he call black women “bitches and hoes” and his responds was “They’re fucking everybody what else are they but bitches and hoes!” and ever since then I figured that if a woman, be her black, white, Hispanic or what have you, were having sex with different sex partners, (and children by different fathers), maybe they are “bitches and hoes” If a black woman is not doing all these things then what is the problem? Obviously she’s not a bitch and a hoe and she should just move on with her life. You see, people, as an artist I hate censorship and as an artist if I want to write about black women being “bitches and hoes” because they are acting like “bitches and hoes” that should be my right to free speech! Comprende?
http://www.strangefruits.tv

“You are in the Bronx. A White van is stopping in front of you.

2007-04-15T13:07:00.000-05:00

Three European-Americans are getting out and they are offering you candy and being nice to you in the worst way...ACT!”

Do we shoot when we see the whites of their eyes or do we lie down with dogs in complacency? Harsh words, huh? I am so sick and tired of some white people seeing through black folk’s eyes and I’m sick and tired of some black (so-called) leaders following suit. We all know that racism is alive and well in America, (north and south). We need to move on to the bigger issue at hand like self-hatred and economic anemia and stop being side-tracked by stupid racial slurs that take us from what black folks’ issues that really need to be addressed; like homophobia and black on black crime!

Strange & Forbidden Fruits ? LGBTQ?

2007-04-14T12:40:00.000-05:00

There are some black folks who disapprove of me using the Strange Fruit slang. They always ask me, "Do you know what strange fruit means?" and I always reply that yes, I do know what it meant and stood for in a song sung by Miss Billie Holliday but however in this day and age I changed it's meaning to "unusual black/Latino LGBTQ happenings" and it's my poetic license as a writer/creator/filmmaker/director. But it is strange to me how people don't like to change. I welcome change because it's the spice of life. Working 9-5 five days a week and sitting in front of a tv set after work then doing chores on Saturday and then sitting in front of a tv the rest of the day/or go to a movie and on Sunday you either stay in bed late/go to church and then spend the rest of the day in front of a TV set; is a death sentance to me. I need to be out there exploring life in all its forms be it straight or gay. That can be forbidden for a lot of people. I remember the 70's, it wasn't unusaual to go to a straight bar and pick up a straight guy who was horny and wanted to experience a blow job from a gay man and vice versa, it wasn't unusual for a gay man who was horny to go to a straight bar and pick up a woman and want to experience a blow job from her! I've done it that's why I'm strange & forbidden fruit!

Strange is the act of bare-backing

2007-04-13T13:23:00.000-05:00

I had an interesting conversation with some friends last night about having un-protected sex. I am 55 years old and have never used a condom…(is it a black/Latino thing or machismo?), in these times of AIDS and HIV people are still playing Russian Roulette with the disease and I am guilty of it! Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not out there sucking dick or giving up ass every chance I get; (but I sure would like to, to some hairy ape), but I have on occasion fooled around with total strangers, not asking them for their HIV status, not using condoms and sharing sexual fluid. Should I be locked away? Should anybody so irresponsible be locked away from society?
“I don’t feel sorry for him at all! He got the disease! He knew what was out there!” lamented one of my friends. I lost a friend a couple of years ago when I repeated these same sentiments and was accused of being cold hearted and uncompassionate. How do you change one’s behavior? Why do I have unprotected sex with strangers? Is it I am so hard up that I’m happy to get sex when I can? Am I self-loathing? Is it t hat the guy is so hung, GL and hairy that I am put into a spell of irresponsiblity? Who Knows?

Censorship is alive and well in mainstream Media of America

2007-04-12T09:17:00.000-05:00

Just want to say how ridiculous our society is. The mainstream media rules our lives.
They make a decision on what and how America is supposed to think or flavor of the day. IE racism vs. Don Imus; blacks like Al (pimp) Sharpton & Jessie (wannabe Jesus) Jackson get into this war of words on racism when they should be out there preaching to blacks about standing on their own two feet and stop looking for the white man (master federal government) to continue taking care of them. Blacks should be more concern about getting a good education, creating a black block of corporation, control means of production; making the big bucks then rule the population with its products and man power. We will be in control of our destiny not welfare and the federal government…

YouTube Censored Strange Fruits

2007-04-11T15:50:00.000-05:00

Its not true anymore about you can broadcast anything on YOUTUBE. Three of Strange Fruits video have been rejected and censored off the famous website YOUTUBE. These same videos have been played all over Europe’s mainstream television network as bloopers. Why is America so hung up on Sex but yet it is okay to show someone's head being cut off or people being blown to death. When is America going to stop being hypocritical about their lifestyle and own up to the fact that no matter how puritan they portray themselves in the media they still are sexually dysfunctional behind close doors. If I had a nickel for every guy I went to bed with who claimed to be straight I would be a millionaire! 
http://www.strangefruits.tv/videos.htm