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Home Site News Keeping a Balancing Act Out of Freefall by Wyatt O’Brian Evans | Keeping a Balancing Act Out of Freefall by Wyatt O’Brian Evans |
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| Written by Foresight | |
| Sunday, 18 November 2007 | |
Powerful and profound words from Karen Hunter, co-author of the new novel Balancing Act, with Jonathan Plummer (as probably everyone on the planet knows by now is the ex-husband of the legendary Terry McMillan). Ms. Hunter is a Pulitzer Prize winner and best-selling author. She has collaborated with celebrities and personalities including Queen Latifah, L L Cool J, Wendy Williams, the Reverend Al Sharpton, and Cedric the Entertainer. In October, Hunter partnered with Pocket Books (a division of Simon and Schuster) to launch her own imprint, Karen Hunter Publishing. “Controversial” certainly describes the journey of Balancing Act. Just as How Stella Got Her Groove Back was loosely based on McMillan’s romance with Plummer, many parts of Balancing Act match and resonate with Plummer’s real life. According to an August 31, 2007 Southern Voice interview, Plummer stated, “ ‘People realize that she wrote her story, and now this is a way of showing an alternative side of my story.’ “ Balancing Act revolves around “Justin Blakeman,” a desirable young Jamaican who catches the eye of “Tasha Reynolds,” a connected, powerful modeling agent on holiday. Tasha’s boy toy follows her back to the States, where they both get caught up in a “complex game of sexual desire and control,” according to promotional materials by the book’s publisher, Simon and Schuster. And to make matters worse, “Justin discovers a hidden hunger for a male model.” In that August interview, Plummer stated, “The book is ‘fiction with a purpose, and it’s a funny and sexy story. It mirrors my life and it mirrors my coming out process, but the main character Justin Blakeman is a hero, and I don’t really consider myself a hero.’ “
This journalist interviewed Plummer, Hunter, Mark Hilton Plummer (Jonathan’s cousin and manager), and others over the course of several days for this expose. This was an effort to get a clearer, fuller understanding of Jonathan Plummer the person, and his strategy to effectively publicize and promote Balancing Act. A Hero’s Obstacles
According to the Southern Voice, “The main character’s acceptance of his sexual orientation is more immediate and honest than Plummer’s real-life experience, which is why the author considers his protagonist a hero.” Plummer went into more detail about that with this journalist. “First,” Plummer emphasized, “the theme of Balancing Act is finding that delicate balance of who you really are and what other people want you to be. Its message is that it’s okay to be who you are. Love’s a powerful thing. So why fight it?” He continued. “Justin goes after what he wants. I consider him a hero because he doesn’t waste any time telling Tasha what he’s struggling with—his true sexual identity. Justin wants sexual honesty. However, I was afraid to share those feelings with Terry.” He explained, “You see, growing up, I never talked to anyone about being gay or about same sex relationships. I’d never seen a gay sex relationship when growing up. I was not aware of any gay movement out there.” As the world knows, homophobia is an integral part of the fabric, the tapestry of Jamaican culture. It permeates throughout that island’s society like a rampaging virus. In an April 12, 2006 Time magazine piece entitled, “The Most Homophobic Place on Earth?” Tim Padgett wrote, “Though familiar to most Americans as a laid-back beach destination, Jamaica is hardly idyllic. The country has the world’s highest murder rate. And its rampant violence against gays and lesbians has prompted human-rights groups to confer another ugly distinction: the most homophobic place on earth.” Padgett went on to write, “In the past two years, two of the island’s most prominent gay activists, Brian Williamson and Steve Harvey, have been murdered—and a crowd even celebrated over Williamson’s mutilated body. Perhaps most disturbing, many anti-gay assaults have been acts of mob violence. In 2004, a teen was almost killed when his father learned that his son was gay and invited a group to lynch the boy at his school.” Jamaica’s dancehall music industry fuels and fans, like some out of control blow torch, the flames of hate for gays and lesbians. As the melding of reggae and gangsta cultures strengthens and intensifies, the island’s increasingly thuggish reggae stars refuse to apologize for—and stop singing—songs that encourage the murders of gays and lesbians. And according to Padgett, “Reggae’s anti-gay rhetoric has seeped into the country’s politics. Jamaica’s major political parties have passed some of the world’s toughest antisodomy laws and regularly incorporate homophobic music in their campaigns. ‘The view that results,’ says Jamaican human-rights lawyer Philip Dayle, ‘is that a homosexual isn’t just an undesirable but an unapprehended criminal.’ “ The Truth Can Set You Free—but it has a Price Tag Attached Therefore, perhaps, these harsh (to say the least) realities give one insight into why Plummer has had such a difficult time uncovering, claiming, and then embracing, his own particular truth. He admitted, “For me, coming out didn’t just happen overnight. It was a process.” He confessed, “Towards the last years of my marriage, I realized that I had an eye for the same kind of beauty. My curiosity grew further, and I fell in love with a man.” Plummer stated that he then “came clean” to McMillan. “Falling in love with this guy compelled me to come out to Terry,” he said. “By being forthcoming, I emancipated myself.” How did McMillan take his confession? “I knew our marriage would be over after I told her,” he sighed. “Actually, when I came out to her, we both agreed that the marriage was over.” Any regrets? “I sacrificed everything to find my own truth,” he claimed. “You have to honor who you really are inside, and you can’t sacrifice your happiness for someone else’s. Coming out was the most liberating thing I’ve ever done.” He continued, “We’re both victims throughout this process. “I wish Terry the best and much happiness. I hope she can find love again, but it’s time for her to move on.” Movin’ On“I encouraged Jonathan not to accept what he doesn’t want. I told him that this was his chance to be who he really is,” stated Mark Hilton Plummer. Mr. Hilton Plummer is Jonathan’s cousin and manager. According to him, he assisted Plummer throughout his contentious court battle with McMillan. “I helped Jonathan acquire legal representation. After awhile, we both realized that what I was doing was actually managing him.” Subsequently, Hilton Plummer signed on as his cousin’s official manager. “Media attention to Jonathan’s story was overwhelming,” Hilton Plummer related. “Several publishers approached him to write a scandalous ‘tell all,’ but Jonathan decided that wasn’t what the community needed.” And according to Plummer, “I’m too young for a memoir.”
Hilton Plummer said that comparisons of Balancing Act to Jonathan’s real life are unavoidable. And according to him, “It’s fiction. It’s unfair to compare it to Stella. There are many more layers and voices to Balancing Act.” He inserted, “Balancing Act is very realistic in terms of sexual content, and the struggles people go through regarding their sexual identity issues.”
Next, Hilton Plummer discussed Jonathan, the person. “He’s a mild-mannered, gentle spirit--not at all how Terry and the media have portrayed him. As soon as folk meet him, they see that. Working with him has been a great collaboration.”
Hunter has a similar take on Plummer. “As a journalist, you meet a lot of people. I found Jonathan to be honest and sincere.” Also, she said, “He has a childlike naiveté that’s refreshing, charming. In many ways, he’s still trying to find his center.”
She then concluded, “He was raised in a sheltered environment, and couldn’t admit to being gay in Jamaica. He came to the U.S., to an environment where he could really tap into who he was.” Wendy Williams, the hugely popular syndicated radio host, television personality and author, connected Plummer to Hunter. “Wendy encouraged me to write the book after I did her show,” Jonathan recalled. “So, she gave me Karen’s number. It was overwhelming for me to talk with Karen. I was in awe.” Plummer continued, “To have more fun, we chose the fictional route…to make the characters more vibrant. To make it all more interesting.” According to his manager, Plummer is “tremendously well-received wherever he goes, particularly by the PRIDE communities.” He also stated that nearly 200 people attended the author’s book signing at this year’s Atlanta Gay Black PRIDE. “Balancing Act is an extraordinary coming out story. Therefore, it made sense to debut it at Atlanta.” Ms. Til Pettis, proprietor of JoKae’s African-American Bookstore in Dallas, Texas, hosted the author for a reading, part of his Dallas Southern PRIDE appearances. “The patrons were very welcoming towards Mr. Plummer. The event was quite a success.” Chinks in the Armor? According to the Washington Blade, a gay weekly, most GLBT books are struggling this year. And, Black gay books are experiencing an even tougher time because of the limited size of their audience. Therefore, it behooves a Black gay author to aggressively work each and every angle, avenue and venue available to publicize and promote his work. The Plummers had hired Mr. Terrance Russ, founder and C.E.O. of New Origin Communications, a well-respected consulting and management firm, which is a component of The Russ Group of Companies. Russ has a lengthy client list, which has included singer/actress Melba Moore; Rahiem of the legendary Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five; vocalist Alyson Williams; NFL players Ty Law, Matthew Hatchette, Santana Moss, and Damian Robinson; Metro Channel and Cablevision; businessman John Atchinson; and actor/author Stanley Bennett Clay. Before forming New Origins, Russ was head publicist of Andre Harrell’s Uptown Records/Uptown Enterprises, which launched the careers of superstars Heavy D and the Boyz, P. Diddy, Mary J. Blige, Teddy Riley, Jodeci, and other musical luminaries. Russ was crafting an extensive promotional campaign for Jonathan. In early October, he put together a New York City promotional tour for him. Russ booked the author on two popular radio programs: Stephanie Bright’s “VIP Radio,” and D J Baker’s “Da Doo-Dirty Show.” The media consultant and businessman also arranged for Plummer to perform a reading at People of Color in Crisis (POCC), an influential non-profit organization which assists those impacted and affected by HIV and AIDS. But, abruptly and inexplicably, manager Hilton Plummer cancelled the NYC trip. Why? What happened? This journalist asked Hilton Plummer about this, who refused to go into details. He did say, however, that he believed that Russ had “misrepresented himself.” He further stated, “Mr. Russ no longer represents Mr. Plummer in any way.” (Because of that recent Washington Blade report, this journalist later contacted Hilton Plummer advising him that his precipitous actions were potentially damaging to Balancing Act’s publicity and promotional push. He declined to respond. Interestingly however, Plummer did reschedule his appearances on Baker’s show and at POCC for November 10. Did he keep his commitments this time around? Please read on.) The gay blog Queerty tried to make sense of the flare-up between both camps. According to the blog, “Mark Plummer intimated that Russ, who once headed publicity at Uptown Records, lied about his credentials. He even alleges Russ isn’t Russ at all, but an imposter.” Hilton Plummer told Queerty, “ ‘I found out that this person’s references were inaccurate, to say the least, and I immediately became uncomfortable in doing anything arranged by this person. I should say I don’t even know who this person is and I’m trying to find out who’s on the other end of the phone. I don’t know this person at all.’ “ The blog went on to state, “Russ sees things differently, painting Mark Plummer as a demanding manager who simply doesn’t know what he’s doing.” And Russ told Queerty, “ ‘I was emphatic that Jonathan take the high road on Terry McMillan and keep it on the book. It’s really silly because, first of all, there were people who knew that they were coming to New York. The thing that really troubles me is that they put this on themselves.” The blog also said, “In all his years working with celebrities, says Russ, he’s never experienced such a scandal. Russ seemed regretful for ever getting involved with Plummer at all.” Stephanie Bright, host of “VIP Radio,” was quite taken aback--and rather perturbed--about Hilton Plummer axing Jonathan’s scheduled appearance, and without notice. “Mr. Russ introduced me to Mark Hilton Plummer, who loved the idea of Jonathan being on my show,” she explained. “I was planning to focus on the book, not his divorce drama.” Bright, who’s also the owner and publisher of Maelan magazine, added, “My staff and I really got the word out about the event: made banners, sent out an email blast, promoted it in the magazine and on My Space.” But then, at the last minute, according to the “VIP Radio” host, the Plummers pulled the plug. According to Bright, “Terrance called me between 1 and 2 a.m. the morning of my show to inform me that it was a no-go.”
How did that make Bright feel, after all of her concerted efforts and hard work? “Well, of course, I was quite disappointed. I was at a complete loss as to why Plummer decided to become a no-show—particularly at the last moment,” she replied. She said that neither Plummer nor his cousin/manager has been in contact with her. And like Bright, D J Baker doesn’t feel like “jumping back and kissing himself”—(as James Brown, the deceased “Godfather of Soul,” would often exclaim)--either. Once again, Plummer had promised to appear on the “Da Doo-Dirty Show.” Did he finally have a face-to-face sit down with the DJ? Stated Baker, “On November 10, Plummer and the cast of the movie “Finding Me” (an urban gay “dramedy” coming-of -age story in which Jonathan has a cameo; Russ identified the film for him.) were scheduled to do the show. The cast came. But guess what? Jonathan didn’t. However, it’s very interesting that he did do the POCC thing later that night.” According to the DJ, Plummer did not notify him that he would be M.I.A. (“missing in action”). “He was beyond unprofessional,” Baker said. “It’s clear that the reason he was a no-show was because he didn’t want to answer honesty the tough questions that I was going to put to him.” The radio host further commented, “We had a great time without him. I’m absolutely glad he didn’t come.” There’s yet another wrinkle in this tale. After the POCC reading, according to Baker, he ran into Jonathan at a Manhattan club. “He avoided me,” the DJ said. “I’m absolutely done with this guy.” The Ban And, there’s one more twist and turn in Balancing Act’s turbulent ride: It’s been banned by Marcus Books, located in Oakland, California. Store employees refused to answer questions from this journalist. Mr. Joe Hawkins is not surprised. According to Hawkins, a Black gay event promoter and host of the online gay talk show “Real Talk” for keepingitrealonlinetv.com, “I am disappointed. I called Marcus Books and asked if they were selling the book. The woman who answered the phone said they were not selling the book now and wouldn’t be in the future. When I asked the woman why, she stated that it’s the bookstore’s personal preference not to sell the book.” Hawkins added, “I just believe that the practice of not selling a book just because you don’t like the author is a disturbing form of censorship.” (To note: Hawkins actually introduced Jonathan Plummer to Terrance Russ, which contradicts Hilton Plummer’s assertion that he doesn’t know who Russ really is. As well, after consulting various sources and doing investigative research, this journalist can verify that Mr. Russ is indeed who he says he is, as well as his credentials.) Hilton Plummer aims the trigger squarely at McMillan, accusing her of being largely responsible for the ban. “ ‘Why Marcus Books would ban a novel that encourages compassion and understanding instead of homophobia in the community that needs it the most is indeed very sad but not a surprise. Terry McMillan has gone to great and personally humiliating lengths to prevent the publication and distribution of this book. Balancing Act is fiction with a purpose and it will prevail with or without the support of Marcus Books,’ “ he stated. Karen Hunter weighed in. “It’s been kind of frustrating watching all of this,” she said. “Terry has made serious attempts to stop the book. She’s very powerful, and Marcus Books is right in her backyard.” Hunter emphasized, “As a book seller, if an individual wants to buy a book, it is your responsibility to sell it. This is America.” Meanwhile, Terry McMillan’s “fed up,” and certainly is having her say. She has taken a very vocal stand against Balancing Act, and “urban/ghetto fiction.” The best-selling author lumps her ex’s novel into that genre. According to McMillan, Simon and Schuster, “along with the other publishing houses who have been kind enough to add ‘special’ urban/ghetto imprints are all about to see a major shift in your ongoing and relentless publication of exploitative, destructive, racist, egregious, sexist, base, tacky, poorly-written, unedited, degrading books. Like a number of Black bookstores who are starting to refuse to sell this trash, I, along with other Black literary organizations, supporters, book clubs as well as writers are about to make our opinions known, to aid in making clear to the public just how demeaning these books are and what it means to our community.”
Therefore, this journalist asked Hunter what sets Balancing Act apart. “It’s an extraordinary coming out story,” she replied. “It asks the questions: ‘How do you balance hurting someone and embracing your truth?’ And, ‘Do you suppress your truth to make others happy?’” Finally, Hunter noted, “If you’re true to yourself, everything else falls into place.” Wyatt O’Brian Evans resides in Washington, D.C. and has written for news organizations including the Washington Post, the Washington (Gay) Blade, and American Politics and Metropolitan Washington magazines. His forthcoming novel is entitled “Nothing Can Tear Us Apart” (gay/ethnic/erotica).
Comments
(17)
Wow, What a great article! Wyatt O'Brian Evans gives a lot of insight and a whole 'nother perspective on Jonathan Plummer. Well-written, tough reporting. Kudos to Mr. Evans
The writer sifted through the drama nicely. Article was quite educational--particularly the stuff on homophobia in Jamaica. Those island peeps are messed up!
Congratulations Mr. Evans on another well-written article on such a controversial matter. What a big mess they are going through!! Can't wait for Mr. Evan's new novel, I am sure it will be a bestseller!!!
The publication of Balancing Act was nothing shy of a miracle....believe me.
Wyatt, thank you for getting in on the act and writing a fairly balanced piece. Ms. Hunter does not grant interviews everyday, so I was thrilled to arrange that opportunity for you. I hope we can work together again. Balancing Act will be published in paperback in May 2008!
The photo is courtesy of Sheila Morgan/Sheila Morgan Photography (sheilamorganphotography.com)
Nice to read a well-written article on such a dramatic situation that has touched many lives. Everyone, lookout, I have read other articles and work by this master writer. Am sure his upcoming novel will be another piece of art. Congratulations, Wyatt, from a true fan here!!
Let’s get a few things straight–err– I mean clear. 1) Balancing act was “ghost written” by Karen Hunter. Ms. Hunter writes books for people who cannot write books on their own. Listen to Jonathan Plummer speak, he is inarticulate, and often bursts into girlish giggles. 2) Jonathan Plummer is pushing 35 and is merely an out of work dog-groomer and sometimes hair stylist. He is not handsome enough to model, even though he portays himself– err– I mean “Justin” as a male supermodel. There has never been a male super model. Certainly if there existed a male supermodel he would be handsome. Not just sort if cute in an effiminate sort of way. 3) Do you ever see pictures of Jonathan’s cousin, Mark Plummer??? Well, he is short, obese, wears glasses, and has a receding hairline. Once could easily call him gnome-like. And if you think Jonathan sounds girlish, listen to Mark speak. 4) The book has officially bombed. Tanked. Died. No one is buying it. Not African-Americans, not gays, or as Jonathan might say “Not nobody”. 5) As for Jonathan and Mark Plummer’s “fame”, here is a typical conversation: “Mark Plummer” “Who?” “Jonathan Plummer’s cousin.” “Who?” “Terry McMillan’s gay ex-husband.” “Who?” “The writer of “Waiting to Exhale”. “Oh that movie Whitney was in when she was clean and sober, wasn’t that about 15 years ago”. “Yeah, that one.” “Who cares.”
Just to add:
Karen Hunter churns out multiple exploitation novels a year that make the African-American community look horrible. This book does nothing to negate homophobia. It plays to sterotypes and myths, especially Jonathan's--err-- I mean Justin's taste for "man nectar". Ick.
And that picture is flattering, a few years old. You should see him up close. Still, he is much better looking than his cousin.
"Balancing Act will be published in paperback in May 2008! "
LOL! Better print it on toilet paper, because it is nothing but #$(#!!!
Balancing act is currently at #356,468 in Books on Amazon.com. How low will it go????
"Balancing Act" is now Amazon.com Sales Rank: #481,639 in Books!!!!
This book is a failure with a capital F!
I guess Wyatt would not have had this opportunity to interview Mr.Plummer. Thanks to Mr.Russ!! Wyatt let's not forget who connect you to Mr.Russ....
Ms. Wright, please stop hating!! Your comments are somewhat inarticulate, because you have serious problems with sentence structure. Without Wyatt O'Brian Evans, this article would not have been written. Mr. Evans' article is extremely insightful, eye-opening, well-written and necessary. I have worked with Mr. Evans for a number of years and he is a down -to-earth, rounded and engaging man. Hats off to a truly investigative piece!!
Nikolas Stephen Winston III, WOW.....
 written by MAELAN MAGAZINE , December 30, 2007
lovin it baby! promoted this article...on my end.
Why are all of these posts about Mark and not Jonathan. Why? Cuz Mark Plummer is the bitch!….not Jonathan. Jonathan may be gay alright, but that Mark is a b-i-t-ch and I am glad is he is finally getting his. I saw Mark Plummer on the set of the Wendy Williams show….he could be really cute if he wanted to be, but he’s just one of those bitch-identified men! (BIMs I call ‘em) Wendy looked at him and said “You’re responsible for all of this,” and he did not know what to say with his highly arched eyebrows! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved.       |
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