Your Gay Real Estate

From a story in NJ.com Friday, November 30, 2007

I n recognition of World AIDS Day, Our Youth, a Jersey City-based nonprofit, will host an awareness concert, “AIDS is a Drag, Wrap it Up!” The night will include performances by renowned drag queens and straight and gay singers to raise money for AIDS prevention.

“It’s a very good cause,” said Luscious Lola, one of the drag performers and public relations manager for Our Youth. “I really don’t think it’s publicized. It’s only publicized through the gay community.”

Legendary drag queens, like LaRitza Dumont from Orlando, Fla., will entertain the crowd in between singers like Gemini and Danny K. Teens from Our Youth will perform a skit from the musical “Rent.” The night will also have a delicious home-cooked all-you-can-eat buffet, door prizes and raffles.

“We have a new staff that is dedicated and able to help me produce a show of this greatness,” said Our Youth founder Rob De Anthony. “We have a lot of talented people donating their time to us.”

Openly gay rapper Shorty Roc will be performing hits from his newest CD, “Personal.”

“I talk about what happens in our community and things that people in our age group can understand,” said the Brooklyn rapper, who has performed at clubs and pride events. “I chose to be open about my sexuality in my music because I wanted to be that real.”

Since coming onto the rap scene five years ago, Shorty Roc has produced music dealing with politics, dating, sexuality and the risk of AIDS and said being included in the concert was “an accomplishment.”

“When I see the fans, they tell me how much they appreciate my music. They say, ‘Wow, that’s what I’m going through.’ It’s good,” he said. “I think when people see a rapper like myself it changes peoples’ outlook.”

“We all have to realize that the youth is the next generation,” said drag queen Harmonica Sunbeam, who performs on Tuesday at 11 p.m. at The Cage in Hoboken. “I feel the more that we hide from our children, the more we endanger them from learning things in the wrong way.”

Sunbeam, who is HIV-positive, said the night will have “entertainment with a message” for all ages and orientations.

“I can speak from personal experience and give some insight on that life, letting them know that this is my situation but it doesn’t have to be your situation if you can take care of yourself,” said Sunbeam. “It’s one thing to talk to someone. It’s another thing to have someone who is living the experience tell you.”

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the African-American Office of Gay Concerns in Newark, which provides information and weekly workshops to discuss AIDS prevention and protection.

Our Youth has dedicated itself to provide a safe-haven and support group to gay, bisexual, transgendered teens and welcomes straight allies.

“The organization is something that New Jersey needs,” said Lola, who won the Miss Gay Hudson County 2006 title. “It opens up people’s eyes that there are people out there that care and are willing to help.”

An estimated one million Americans live with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), with nearly 40,000 more people infected with HIV each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. AIDS/HIV destroys immune system cells and inhibits a person’s body to fight off viruses and bacteria that can cause disease.

“Homosexual, heterosexual. We’re all the same people,” said former “American Idol” season five contestant and performer Nicole Ortiz. “Homosexuals aren’t the only people who get AIDS. They are just more open to stand up to the fact and help people take care of themselves. Everybody should come out.”

“We are part of the community that’s affected, but we are not the only ones. We’re here, we’re queer and that’s about it,” said De Anthony. “Plus, who knows how to put on a show better than gay people?”

Just thought you would like to see this.

James Boyer
Gay Realtor
NJ Realtor Associate
RE/MAX Properties Unlimited
One Madison Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07960
973-647-0253 (Direct)