My Newest Venture...

Since coming out, I have been wanting to do two things...

1) Write a book

2) Start a new TV show

I've started on goal #1. However, unlike goal #1, I am about ready to release goal #2.

In the past year-and-a-half, I have heard the countless heartbreaking stories of LGBT people and why they have left Christianity. In my new show, Faith Matters, I hope to convey these stories and more. I hope it will become a resource of strength for LGBT people and a good dose of sobriety for much of the Christian church.

Below is the promo clip for it. Please share it through Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Thank you for the continuous support and love. Enjoy...

You've Won Maine

I want to give the church a big congratulations for their victory tonight in Maine.

Once again, you kept your eyes on the prize and won. I mean, why wouldn't you win? You have G-d on your side! Your biggest talent lies in fundraising and your marketing departments never fail. Even though you could use a better PR department, you do a good enough job to get done what you want done. After all, fear is the best way to motivate people.

Tonight you've won Maine but you've lost the point.

Another 50,000 hungry people died today. Darfur continues. Shonda says she doesn't need the man who just beat her and left her pregnant with another child. Church... you've won Maine but you've lost the point.

You're no longer a place for comfort, healing, advice, direction, or peace. Rather, you're just another political machine covered in your own filfthy agenda to make everyone look, act, love, and sound just like you through the use of fear.

Your hate is speaking louder than your love. Tonight, you've won Maine but you've lost the point.


-Azariah Southworth

Dear Los Angeles

Dear Los Angeles,

In two weeks I will call you home. Overall, I'm excited, but with any big move, I have my fair share of nervousness and stress.

I hope you don't chew me up and spit me out, for that is a reputation you have. Please be kind to me. I am a Midwestern boy, born and raised, who is not too familiar with the West Coast ways. Although I have enjoyed you on a occasional visit, this time it will be much different.

If I may, I'd like to let you know my intentions, so neither one of us will be surprised at any point for any reason.

When I arrive, I intend to find a job as soon as a opportunity will allow. When a job is secured, I want to complete my book and have it ready for the masses very soon. I have heard the snickering and sneering of people when I first began talking about writing this book, so I hope you will assist me in getting it in their hands too. Lastly, my reason for coming to take up residence in you, is to start a new TV show. I already have one pilot show filmed and another different show concept already in mind and ready to execute.

I am ready and willing to work hard and diligently towards my goals.

So, please L.A., please be kind.

Sincerely,
Azariah Southworth

Worth A Million Words

This is a picture I took, on my cell phone, when I was in New York City last fall. If you can't make out the picture, it's a homeless person sleeping in front of the church doors.

I believe this picture depicts what happens far too often today; children of God being left out in the cold, by other children of God.

The Proper Use of Christian Profanity

I've known of Derek Webb for quite some time but I never really took time to listen to his music. Today I came across an article mentioning the controversy of his song because it has the word "shit" in it. His record label refused to include it in his latest album, "Stockholm Syndrome." However, they have reached a compromise where you can purchase the album including the unfortunately controversial song from Derek Webb himself.

Here is the verse from Derek's banned song "What Matters More"...

‘Cause we can talk and debate until we’re blue in the face / About the language and tradition that he’s comin’ to save / Meanwhile we sit just like we don’t give a shit / About 50,000 people who are dyin’ today.

Here is the music video...



I love it.

What do you think?

Jennifer Knapp is BACK!!!!

I've heard several rumors of where Jennifer went off to. Who cares?! She's back!

Ms. Knapp has written a letter on her website just for you. Click HERE to hear her new song.

Memphis: Vandals Destroy National Coming Out Day Billboard

A billboard marking next month's National Coming Out Day was ripped down by Memphis vandals, leaving only the previous ad for a Patti LaBelle event visible. The Triangle Journal reports:

The billboard, which contained a picture of community member Tim Smith dressed in his marine uniform proclaiming “I’m gay, and I defended your freedom,” was completely torn from the Clear Channel Billboard frame, exposing remnants of prior postings. No identifiable portions of the MGLCC billboard remained. The MGLCC billboard campaign honoring National Coming Out Day on October 11 has been underway for one week and will continue for three more weeks. The initiative aims to clarify to the Mid-South that our community is not afraid of being out and that we are unashamed of being who we are. The billboard that was defaced is one of five erected throughout the city as part of the initiative. MGLCC Executive Director Will Batts, who is in Philadelphia attending a national conference for LGBT community centers, was contacted by phone by Triangle Journal and informed of the defacement. He stated, “Some people choose tactics of violence and intimidation in an attempt to silence minority voices. What will happen, though, is that our voices will become louder and stronger and we will become even more relentless in our fight for full equality.”

National Coming Out Day is October 11th.

UPDATE: Via By The Bayou, here's the billboard before it was torn down.
(via Joe.my.god)