SheiFunmi Interviews Lonnell Williams Of 3LWTV

Wondering how i became a blogger? Lonnell was the person who motivated me and today i thank him for the motivation and inspiration. Lonnell is the producer and anchor of the show 3LWTV, showing us places and taking us around the world, interviews, events… etc. Check out my interview with him.

- WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BEING A V-LOGGER?

This was never something I intentionally set out to do. It just grew from me originally sharing travel pics with family and friends. After having dinner with B. Scott and speaking with Darion Aaron of LolDarioan.com I knew I could do something to make a difference.

- HOW WAS LONNELL LIKE BEFORE HE WENT FULLY INTO THE MEDIA?

I was the same then as I am now. Simple, down to earth lover of life. Though I was probably alot more concerned with what others thoght of me back then. I wanted to be liked though inside I probably didn’t like the lie I was living. As I learned the peace in walking in my own truth, the joy in my life became limitless.

- TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND

I was born in San Francisco, California and grew up in the Bay Area. I was always adaptable and comfortable around people because I never really judged them, even as a child. In high school I saw Janet Jackson perform on American Bandstand and mention she was planning to attend Pepperdine University. That moment changed my life. I later completed undergrad there!

- AS A GAY MAN IN THE INDUSTRY AND OUT ABOUT HIS SEXUALITY, HAVE YOU HAD PROBLEMS WITH PEOPLE IN THE MEDIA, IN RESPECT OF YOUR SEXUALITY?

Initially I had problems, but they were self inflicted. My paranoia and fear of rejection kept me closeted much longer than it should have. Then I started seeing so many people I worked with at gay clubs I began to wonder was anyone actually straight. At the end of the day, even those who don’t approve, value my friendship and treat me with respect. What more can one ask?

- WHAT IS YOUR SHOW “3LWTV” ALL ABOUT?

3LWTV is about celebrating the wonderful journey of life! I want people to see that there are plenty of superstars who are not on MTV and BET. I want viewers to learn to see themselves for the powerful and beautiful creatures they are! Everyone has a purpose on this planet, especially gay, lesbian and transgender folk. We are so much more than just displaying the latest Beyonce routine. I want to show positive reflections of our community.

- CAN YOU SHARE YOUR COMING OUT STORY? AND HOW DID YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TAKE IT?

Wow…that probably occurred on so many levels. I am so NOT that scared young man any longer. I think the defining point was when I first fell in love. I was with this man who challenged me and made me happy (or at least what I believed was happiness then) It such a wonderful experience and I couldn’t share it with anyone? That was the defining moment. I was tired of hiding. I was in love and it didnt’ make sense to try to conceal this joy in an effort to accommodate the ignorance of others. So I dusted of the gloves and was ready to do battle. I told my family, ready to write them off for good. Their reaction was a lot less dramatic than I anticipated. In fact, I was on some level disappointed that I didn’t get to cuss everyone out.

- IT’S BEEN RAMPANT LATELY, THAT MOST SAME GENDER LOVING PEOPLE ARE BEING GAY BASHED, WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT IT?

As we progress there will continue to be resistance and those who think they can take out their self hatred on those who have the courage they wish they posessed. I don’t condone violence in any form, but I know many who have come across the wrong one! Nothing is worse than getting your ass kicked by a “fag.” I’ve seen people get surprised. No matter what you think of someone they are men. Thankfully hate crimes now include gay bashing. We can’t focus on the negative, but something happens we need to a) defend ourselves b) report it (no matter how trite that may seem) c) press charges and prosecute when we can.

- DO YOU EVER BELIEVE YOUR SEXUALITY CAN BE CHANGED?

uh, no. You can ‘change’ your behaviour to accommodate the dictation of your church and community, but you do not change the core of your orientation. I can put my penis into as many vaginas as possible and the world may think I’m straight but at the end of the day inside I know who I am and what I like.

- WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT HIV, MOSTLY IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY?

I’d like to see more attention and resources focused on those who are infected. I’d like to see us eliminate the stigma. also, we always need to protect ourselves. HIV is not like diabetes where you just take a pill. Learn to protect your bodytemple. We have to understand it is an epidemic and we still need to treat it as such. Those infected need to know of all available resources, not just take some meds. I know people who have had HIV for almost 20 years and do not take meds and are happy and healthy. I know people who have been on meds just as long and are also healthy. We need to be aware of choices and make more informed decisions about our health. Thats what I’d like to see.

- WHAT MISTAKES HAVE YOU MADE IN YOUR LIFE, THAT YOU DO NOT WISH FOR ANY YOUTH TO GO THROUGH?

Hmmm, Mistakes? I don’t have any regrets. Just make sure you get the lesson the first time around.

- WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP FOR 3LWTV?

You tell me. I’m just enjoying the ride and connecting with people from all over the world. This is such an honor and I plan to continue to grow and go where the journey leads me.

- WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON HOMOSEXUALITY AND THE BIBLE?

I don’t really debate on sexuality and the Bible. At the end of the day God created you and knows your heart. If God can create the entire universe without your help, surely God can take care of judging me. Without your help. I don’t challenge anyone’s beliefs. I celebrate their passion. Just understand and respect that my views may be different.

- SKINNY JEANS OR STRAIGHT JEANS?

“straight”

- LOS ANGELES OR ATLANTA

For? Hmmm, I’d have to go with ATL

- JENNIFER HUDSON OR BEYONCE?

Neither.

- HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE B-SCOTT’S PERSONALITY?

Splendiferous!

- WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT HOMOPHOBES?

Hatred is so late! Especially when your fear is really your fantasy.

- WHAT PROJECT ARE YOU WORKING ON PRESENTLY?

3LWTV. working to expand the audience and produce more quality videos.

- WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE TO PEOPLE OUT THERE?

Live your life authentically. You will spend a lot more time dead than alive, so don’t waste a precious moment wallowing in fear and negativity. Always stand in your light!

follow Lonnell on twitter – @3lwtv

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