Atlanta and its gays are always making national lists of the best, brightest and gayest. We’re used to it. But dang it if we aren’t beaming with pride like it’s a new phenomenon every time it happens.
Enter the G-List Society roundup of 2014. The online media outlet for black gay readers regularly celebrates lists of movers and shakers that the site dubs “Black Gays Rock.” Now comes its 14 For ’14 Most Inspiring Black Gay Male Couples of 2014. Five of the chosen pairs make their marks on the world right here in gay Atlanta. Because black gay mecca. (Also, the writer notes that he lives in Atlanta, so there's that.)
Shining at the top of the list are a few power couples so prolific, you won’t be surprised they made the G-List cut.
Gee and Juan Session-Smalls
One of them is Gee and Juan Session-Smalls (top photo). They just made a huge impression with their upscale Gentlemen’s Ball (view photos) this month. They impressed the G-list as well:
This Atlanta couple’s union has been documented and followed for years – whether you discovered their intimate Northeastern US civil union ceremony or their feature as HGTV’s first televised Black gay couple. I am proud to see these gentlemen use their fame as a platform to celebrate positive images of Black gay men with The Gentlemen’s Foundation organization and their annual event The Gentlemen’s Ball. 2014 proved to be landmark year for them as they celebrated their union’s milestone, a successfully hosted gay/lesbian vacation and the popularity of the YouTube series “Love Works.”
Larry 'Phylle' and Antoine Nolan-Carter
Also on the list are entertainer Phylle (second photo, left) and his partner Antione. Together, they created “Boyz Next Door” on YouTube and helped create a gay marriage stir at Atlanta City Hall. G-list hails their high profile accomplishments.
This young Atlanta couple amassed a huge following of their breakout YouTube series “Boyz Next Door.” With “Boyz” tackling lifestyle events around the modern Black gay male, they utilize that platform to promote the awareness of the state of Georgia’s refusal to legalize same-sex marriages. Their public profile has engaged thousands of fans into taking note of their theme song “I Love Him,” which has become an instant viral hit.
Rafer and Kelly Johnson
Another G-List hat tip goes to these marriage activists, who came out in a big way in support of Fulton County Commission Chair John Eaves’ re-election. He won and came out for them in return. G-List shows them some love too.
In my opinion, this couple epitomizes the myth that love and relationships cannot sustain in Atlanta’s Black gay community. Their love is well documented in social media and political platforms as supporters of several same-sex marriage equality campaigns. This dynamic duo built – and maintain – an online network of Black same-sex couple across America for social gatherings and travel excursions and an online network for Black gay singles who are looking for love.
Also making the G-List were Atlanta couples Rev. O.C. Allen III and Rashad Burgess, as well as Larry Gillam and Brent Scoggins. But with such a list ostensibly compiled from social media buzz and viral attention, where are these guys? Oh well, kudos to all of the worthy pairs. View the full Inspiring Couples list.
