Living Out Loud with Darian

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to co-host a special event along with Atlanta activist and independent recording artist Anthony Antoine and The AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta (ARCA). Brothers Loving Brothers: A Sexy Evening of Brotherhood, Testing, & Fun brought together a beautiful group of same gender loving black men to socialize, network, and raise awareness of the importance of being tested for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.


The night consisted of an old school dating game with a twist, black gay films in the screening room, a personal masseuse, music and food catered by A Pound Of Cheese courtesy of owner Ruby Woodruff(404 392-7028) and free HIV & STD testing on-site by ARCA.


"In a community where men are often ostracized and often emotionally isolated, this mixer was a safe haven where everyone could interact freely. No club scene, no judgement, no 'shade'...just productive, beautiful 'brothas' doing their thing", said Lonnell Williams of the blog Livin' & Luvin' Life With Lonnell.


It was truly a special event and one that should be held up as a model to encourage brothers around the country to get serious about their sexual health in a non-judgemental and stress-free environment.


Who would have thought that getting tested could ever be sexy?


Check out a special video and pictures of the evening courtesy of my good friend and fellow blogger Lonnell Williams.


Many thanks to Anthony Antoine, the entire staff at ARCA, and all of the beautiful brothers and sisters in attendance who made the event a success.