They say “love is for lovers,” but that notion is as antiquated as board games; or is it? When you are single and opting out of relationships, you are seen “hard to get or admirable.” However, if you are not single by choice you seem to be categorized as “damaged goods,” and coddled with the notion of one day it will be your turn.

Thankfully Atlanta’s very own lesbian super couple, Nikia “Freshie” Squire and Lacie Doll are taking a different twist on love, exploring what it truly means to be single in the second season of their hit docuseries, “New Black Love.”

Grade: A+

The series features an array of LGBT singles as they discuss their love lives–the highs and hellish pitfalls–in a series of colorful, hopeful, and at times damning interviews. “We really wanted to show love from the perspective of single people. No one ever really shows that…Lacie and I know a lot of really great and attractive people and we’re always wondering why are they single? So here was our chance to ask them why.” Freshie states.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLQPRVBli8W/

This new season of New Black Love features a number of notable and popular figures from the community like our very own Michael Jonvier, Alonzo Frizon, 2AM Ricky, Nekeith, Toni Bryce, and others. These episodes prove that no two people–no matter their community–view or deal with love the same way, and that the pursuit of love is not always a walk in the park.

Freshie and Lacie Doll

We find ourselves most relating to Michael, only because we personally have tried dating in Atlanta and found it to be less than desirable, to say the least. He kept it real about not only some of the hi-jinks he has endured, but the body shaming rampant in the community. As a bisexual woman and full figured woman I too know his pain.

We love this series and honestly we think the Lacie and Freshie should take it a step further and play matchmaker for some of the cast. We would certainly love to see what matches they find for Nekeith, Michael, Alonzo, and 2AM Ricky!

You can view all the episodes of New Black Season 2 on The FO/LD Network by clicking here. Happy viewing!

It is hard to believe it has been fifteen years since Patrik-Ian Polk’s “Noah’s ARC” first debuted on LOGO TV Network.

Since then Noah’s ARC has spawned two iconic seasons, an independent film, and now a reunion centered on the affects of the coronavirus pandemic on Noah, Wade, Alex, Ricky, and Chance–“Noah’s ARC: The “Rona Chronicles!”

Needless to say this reunion was right on time and just what we needed during these trying times. A true breath of fresh air! The show was preceded by a pre-show and collection of well wishes with notable Black LGBT stars and fans of the original Noah’s ARC since its early 2000’s inception. The show paved the way for a number of Black LGBT productions like Pose, About Him, Twenties, and so many others.

The show centers on our motley cast dealing with the overcast of the coronavirus pandemic. Noah tells Alex he and Wade are at odds over a “situation” between him and three friends, meanwhile he has life altering news he needs to share with his crew. Alex’s son OJ is now identifying as non-binary, while his husband Trey struggles to deal with being a medic witnessing the onslaught of the pandemic. Chance now lives in Mississippi with a new position at a new college, while his husband and stepdaughter, Eddie and Kenya (all grown up and beautiful), are in Florida caring for the other’s aging mother. Finally, Ricky is STILL Ricky, trying to find safe ways to hook up with guys during the pandemic, while possibly reconnecting with his former love, Junito.

The show’s format was based on Zoom calls, allowing them to safely film the series while being true and entertaining to the source content of the series. The guys have all aged well and you can tell they were happy to be back in the swing of things. The timing of this reunion is everything AND creative. Mainstream television had the right idea with rebooting its older series and Patrik has the right idea with bringing back this amazing cast of actors.

There is a real lack of positive and quality Black LGBT content in media nowadays and The ‘Rona Chronicles may be what we need to satiate and fill this empty space. Welcome back guys you were all missed–dearly!

Patrik-Ian Polk, write and creator of “Noah’s ARC”

What We Liked 

-Seeing the entire main cast back together, including Brandy (Jennia Fredrique) and Junito (Wilson Cruz), making this project happen.

-Wade and Noah are still together and HAPPY.

-The dynamic of Noah and his ARC are still there. The chemistry, the way they play off each other, and their sense of family and community are as strong as ever.

-The show addressed the dangers and effects of the coronavirus pandemic. It really lets audiences know we are all in this together!

What We Loved

-Wade and Noah are going to be daddies!!! It’s the natural evolution of their relationship and family. This kid is going to be an amazing mix of both his/her fathers and we cannot wait!

-Alex is truly MAMA! Everything he does is a hoot, but we love him nonetheless.

-Meeting Wade’s father and Alex’s brother! It was good to see more family in the mix. Wade’s father definitely set him straight–in a parenting sense, and the duet with Alex and his brother of “Don’t Lose This Feeling That We Have” from “The Wiz” was EVERYTHING!

-The inclusion of Black Lives Matter issues and police brutality. RIP Rayshard Brooks!

-Brandon Karson, formerly of “About Him,” making an appearance on the show! It was a shocker, but well received! Check out his involvement with the series in a brief interview below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCSHzDCp0Ii/

What We Hated

-We didn’t get to see Alex’s child, OJ!

-What happened to Brandon (Gary LeRoi Gray) from “Noah’s ARC: Jumping The Broom?” We need an update!

The sun always seems to shine on Gary Lavard. Whether he is acting, modeling, or producing; the man may very well be a living example of “Never Not Working!” In Gary’s latest venture, his production company, GLO Media, has partnered with Victory Productions Network, owned and created by Augusta filmmaker and director, Karlton T. Clay, to produce a new web series, “My Life!”

The series centers on Kevin (Gary Lavard) a 35 year old man with a wife (Kiara Bennett) and kids struggling with his sexuality. He manages to keep his secret lives apart until Troy (Marquis Woolford), the man he had an affair with unwittingly shows up at his birthday party. Kevin’s life begins to unravel as he struggles to maintain his life as is while dealing with his growing desire for other men.

The series will be released biweekly on GLO Media and Victory Production Network’s YouTube channel, but if you can’t wait (like we can’t) you can purchase the entire series by clicking here.

Grade: A-

The first episode episode, “If You Look At My Life, See What I See” can be viewed below:

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