A Blessed Weekend
Category: Religion and Philosophy

This past weekend I had the pleasure of sharing time & space with a group of God's wonderful people.  I was invited to perform at ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Central Baptist Church in Wayne, PA for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Gathering of the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (AWAB) (http://www.wabaptists.org/). 

I first encountered some of the AWAB folks 2 summers ago at a conference in Indianapolis.  Last summer I had the pleasure of performing at their bi-annual conference in Washington DC. 

The conference last weekend was truly a blessing.  My performance of "And He Ran Screaming" kicked off the conference on Friday night.  As many of you know I always have a discussion with the audience after my performances.  This one was one of the richest and most powerful to date.  Individuals identified with my story and opened up to share the sorrows and joys of their own lives.  The next day brought joyous and informative insight from Dr. Bill Stayton regarding the wide range of sexuality that exists and makes up this diverse world of ours.  The day ended with a moving worship service and message from Peggy Campolo.  Thankfully my flight did not leave Philadelphia until Sunday afternoon.  Had I left any earlier I might have missed one of the most moving sermons I've ever heard delivered by Rev. Heather Rittenhouse.  She spoke to us about the place of honor that GLBT people have with God. 

The community that was created will extend far beyond the bounds of the 3 days that we laughed, cried, learned, prayed and sang together.  Relationships were renewed, strengthened, and in many cases begun.  My soul was certainly ministered to as I took communion with a sanctuary full of my gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, and transgender brothers and sisters.  There in that space our wholeness and our oneness with the Creator were truly and profoundly affirmed.  My walk has been strengthened.

11:39 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

A woman with heart!
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes

Hi friends.  I want to tell you about a friend of mine and the ministry that she has taken on (www.hopeunlimitedproductions.com).  For some of you, the name Lisa Darden (www.myspace.com/lisadarden) will be familiar.  For others, it may be brand new.  If you are not aquainted with Lisa, I suggest that you get to know her. 

She has spent the past few years following a calling and making a dream come true.  Lisa has put her entire heart and soul into making a feature length documentary film titled "For Such A Time As This."  The film includes tons of interviews with ministers, performers, celebrities, and everyday folk regarding the inclusivness (and often lack there-of) of the GLBT community in the Christian faith. 

Recently she has been bombarded with adversity from some of the mainstream minsitries she interviewed.  Some are attempting to gain control of the interviews that they agreed to and taped over the past couple of years.  The fact that all of these things are happening at once says to me that Lisa is on the brink of a major breakthrough cinematically and spiritually. 

I'm sure that it's difficult to continue when faced with such negativity in addition to the drain in stamina and finances that I know accompany such a project. 

As a favor to me, take a moment to visit her site (www.hopeunlimitedproductions.com) ...read about this amazing film... pray, meditate and send loving energy her way.... If you are able and so inclined I KNOW that a donation would help too.  But at the very least stop and send out a prayer. 

Blessings to you all!

-Jeffrey

p.s. And don't forget to "friend" her too (www.myspace.com/lisadarden)

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Top Friends - Mixin’ it up

I decided to switch up my top friends. I have put up some of the people that I've met through my travels and hope to meet up with again and/or get to know better. Don't be offended if you're not there. Just something for fun.

Peace - Jeffrey

3:58 PM - 2 Comments - 1 Kudos - Add Comment

Soon, very soon
Current mood: geeky
Category: Life

Well folks, Friday approacheth. I FINALLY finished the script last weekend What a trip down memory lane this process has been!

"And He Ran Screaming" opens Friday at 7pm.



What would happen if you could travel into the past to meet yourself at a younger age? What would she or he think of who you've become? In his newest one person show "And He Ran Screaming" Jeffrey Barnes attempts to do just that. See what happens when he meets the younger, more naive version of himself. Join him on this revealing journey filled with school bus bullies, gym class sissies, love, lust, betrayal, damnation, and salvation.

"And He Ran Screaming"
Friday 11/16, 7:00 pm
@ The Church Within

1125 Spruce St.
Indianapolis, IN 46203


www.thechurchwithin.org
www.spiritandplace.org

Currently listening : Karma Chameleon By Culture Club

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And He Ran Screaming - Debut 11/16

What would happen if you could travel into the past to meet yourself at a younger age? What would she or he think of who you've become. In his newest show, 'And He Ran Screaming' Jeffrey Barnes attempts to do just that. See what happens when he meets the younger, more naive version of himself.

'And He Ran Screaming' by Jeffrey Barnes
will be presented during the
2007 Indianapolis Spirit and Place Festival

November 16th, 7:00 pm
at The Church Within
1125 Spruce Street
Indianapolis, IN 46203

For further info visit
www.thechurchwithin.org
www.spiritandplace.org

12:12 PM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

TransActions - What People Are Saying

- TransActions: What People Are Saying! -

NUVO (Indy's Alternative Voice – www.nuvo.net)
4 Stars
"This show will not be for everyone. But, if you are open-minded about transgenderism, it will be an interesting introduction into that world. The issues are so complex that they cannot possibly fit into an hour. While gay-themed shows are in theaters regularly now, transgender issues are still not often explored. Here, three people who have transitioned (two male-to-female and one female-to-male) collaborated with director Jeffrey Barnes and one other transgendered non-performer to create the show, so the stories, which are mostly monologued, are their own experiences. Touching and insightful, even more so because the people performing it lived it. A Q&A is offered after each show, and the performers are open to discussing often personal topics. Performances Saturday at 10 and Sunday at 7. – LG"

Audience Reviews
"This show is what the Fringe is all about. Three incredibly brave performers frankly sharing powerful moments and true stories from their own journeys through life. f2m, m2f, trans, who cares?! These are real people and fascinating human beings - funny, tragic, poignant and brutally honest human beings. My life and my own journey are richer after the hour I invested in this production."

"Wow. What else can I say? …as an actor myself, I find it so much easier to tell someone else's story...to become a character and speak their words. These performers ARE the characters. These ARE their words. I cannot imagine how personal, emotional and spiritual their process must have been. The show is inspiring…I was touched. I am touched… GO SEE THIS SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Only Two Performances Left!
Sat 09/01/2007 10:00 PM
Sun 09/02/2007 7:00 PM

Performances are in the Auditorium at the Athenaeum, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN (Same building as the American Cabaret Theatre).

Tickets: $3 Fringe Admission Badge plus $10 Per Show at door - CASH ONLY.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance (www.INTRAA.org).
Further information can be obtained at www.indyfringe.org,
or www.myspace.com/TheatreNonNobis.

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This is what has been keeping me busy

Please Post Widely

- TransActions: Real People, Real Stories, Real Life -

Theatre Non Nobis is stepping outside the box at this year's Indy Fringe. The Indianapolis theatre company is putting real people on stage telling their own stories. Director, Jeffrey Barnes, has lead the performers through a series of writing workshops and shaped the stories into a compelling and entertaining piece of theatre.
________________________________________________

Here's what the performers have to say about TransActions:

Why do a play about Trans people anyway?
"I would like the audience to learn that trans people are people first - not freaks or fetish objects. We live our lives in an extraordinary manner, but most of the time we blend into society." – Lee (performer)

"This play shows the real stories of three trans people. We're not professional actors; we're simply playing ourselves, trying to communicate the feel of our everyday lives."
- Angel (performer)

"I want people to have a glimpse of how I tick, feel, and cope with what they take for granted." – Estelle (performer)

What is this experience like for the actors?
"Through this process, I'm seeing some of my own "walls" beginning to crumble. And I'm enjoying the fresh air!" – Angel

"I learn something new at every rehearsal. It's been a great way to stretch my creativity in a new direction." – Lee
________________________________________________

Be sure to check out the 8/24 edition of the Indianapolis Star. Their "Go" section will feature TransActions along with 4 other Indy Fringe shows.

Performances will take place at the American Cabaret Theatre Auditorium, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN on the following dates:


Fri 08/24/2007 7:30 PM
Sat 08/25/2007 5:30 PM
Mon 08/27/2007 7:30 PM
Sat 09/01/2007 10:00 PM
Sun 09/02/2007 7:00 PM


Tickets: $3 Fringe Admission Badge plus $10 Per Show at door (CASH ONLY)
or $11 online charge at www.indyfringe.org.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance (www.INTRAA.org).
Further information can be obtained at www.indyfringe.org,
or www.myspace.com/TheatreNonNobis.

9:25 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Attn. LGBTA Poets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2007

First "Gay" Christian Poetry Anthology Scheduled for Jan. 2008,
Seeking Submissions

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – This month SanctifiedAnthology.com announced the
production of SANCTIFIED, the world's first LGBT Christian Poetry
Anthology. The first SANCTIFIED anthology is scheduled to be released
January 2008 and will feature poetry from numerous lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender Christians from around the world.

Chief Editor, Justin R. Cannon, hopes this will be an annual project.
Cannon was the founder of Earlham College's poetry appreciation
group—Poetheads Anonymous—and brings with him vast experience in the LGBT
Christian community. Cannon explains, "I am excited about this
project because our voices need to be heard not only within Church councils,
meetings, and in the courtroom, but also in the literary arena—we
are queer, we are Christian, and we have gifts to share with the
world."

SanctifiedAnthology.com is currently accepting submissions from both
LGBT Christians and straight allies. All styles and subjects of poetry
are acceptable, with no limit to the number of words or lines per poem.
Submissions can be made online through an authorized email address
dedicated to submissions that can be requested online at
SanctifiedAnthology.com

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Indy Fringe - TransActions
Current mood: busy
Category: Friends

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-Theatre Non Nobis brings Transgender issues to the spotlight at this year's Indy Fringe-

Trans, transgender, f2m, m2f, cross-dresser, gender identity... What do all these terms mean? Who cares? Why is it important to know? Come see TransActions and find out what it really means to be transgender in today's binary society.

Theatre Non Nobis (TNN) returns to the Indianapolis Fringe Festival with its latest production. Developed and directed by local theatre artist Jeffrey Barnes, TransActions is an original piece written and performed by members of the Indianapolis Transgender community.

TNN has always had a goal to educate and to promote understanding. TransActions director and TNN co-founder says, "We feel that the issues faced by the Transgender community are in some ways unique and in many ways universal to humankind. By putting real people on stage telling real stories, we believe that we are giving audiences an opportunity to understand their fellow human beings a little better."

Performances will take place at the American Cabaret Theatre, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN on the following dates:

Fri 08/24/2007 7:30 PM
Sat 08/25/2007 5:30 PM
Mon 08/27/2007 7:30 PM
Sat 09/01/2007 10:00 PM
Sun 09/02/2007 7:00 PM

A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance (www.INTRAA.org). Further information about TransActions can be obtained at www.indyfringe.org, www.myspace.com/TheatreNonNobis, or by contacting TheatreNonNobis@yahoo.com.

8:41 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Check out this event: Kings, Queens, & Everything In Between

Hosted By:INTRAA
When: Thursday Jul 19, 2007
at 7:00 PM
Where: Talbott Street Bar
22nd & Talbott
INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46202
United States
Description:
Me in short shorts and heels.  That's all I have to say!

Click Here To View Event

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