Living authentically is the message that Pastor Eddie Lawrence preaches to his flock at Perpetual Peace Ministries, but does his own truth extend beyond the pulpit?
In his debut novel, COLLAR CONFESSIONS: Sharing the Man of God, and the soon-to-be-released COLLAR CONFESSIONS series on Here TV, author and screenwriter Dwight Allen O’Neal tells the tale of a cleric who spins a tangled web of lies, greed, sex, and addiction.
As seen from the pews, Pastor Lawrence is a sanctified leader, a beatified son of God, living a pious life of faith alongside his childhood girlfriend and soon-to-be first lady, Tiara. What parishioners in the congregation do not know is that their beloved curate is far from holy.
He possesses prodigious pride, insidious greed, and an unquenchable lust that he satisfies with casual sex with both women and men.
In the novel, Pastor Lawrence struggles to reconcile his life’s soul-wrenching contradictions and juggle relationships with his two fiancés: Tiara and his secret male paramour, O’Neill. Little does he know that he isn’t the only one carrying secrets…
“This story deals with the hypocrisy within the church,” says O’Neal. “The church is a place that was created to heal; however, many people in the LGBTQ+ community enter the church and then are in need of healing. They lead double lives, in constant fear of being discovered. Many turn to social media that is, in essence, a dangerous Pandora’s Box where anything can happen.”
When creating the COLLAR CONFESSIONS screenplay, O’Neal and his co-writers, Dane Joseph and Daniel Armando (who also directs the series), originally planned to re-tell the story from the book, but opted instead to tell a new story in the world that the book created. The series explores the journey Pastor Eddie takes after his experiences with the characters in the book. “We challenged ourselves further by looking at the story from the lens of a thriller,” explains Daniel Armando.
Nathaniel J. Ryan stars as Pastor Eddie Lawrence in the series. “Pastor Eddie is a man deeply in love with his lover(s) and his husband, however, his insecurities prevent him from remaining monogamous. I think Pastor Eddie is misunderstood, even by himself.”
Ryan says he approached the role by looking for similar characteristics within himself that would allow him to empathize and understand Pastor Eddie better. “Stepping into his shoes and wardrobe helped me to bring the character to life.”
Making his film debut in a non-adult movie is 2020 GAYVN Winner DeAngelo Jackson. “I have always dreamed of doing more than adult film work,” Jackson reflects. “When I first read the book, I was thrilled to be able to bring one of the characters to life. After learning the series would be a thriller and I would get to perform stunts on camera and learn fight choreography, I was sold!”
“I hope COLLAR CONFESSIONS entertains and inspires viewers to live in truth,” Jackson continues.
“Too often, we live our lives for other people, doing what is expected of us but not what makes us happy. I also hope that viewers note the consequences that occur when we decide to hurt people. Every action has a reaction, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.”
“We are excited to support original stories that challenge us to be our most truthful selves within interpersonal and professional relationships,” said Emmy-winning Producer and Here TV President John Mongiardo. “The production team at Novo Novus takes diverse and powerful content to a level specifically designed for Here TV’s exclusive and premium platform distribution.”
COLLAR CONFESSIONS is executive produced by Dwight Allen O’Neal, Daniel Armando and Dane Joseph. It premieres on HERE TV on Friday October 8.
Dwight Allen O’Neal’s COLLAR CONFESSIONS: Sharing the Man of God will be available on Amazon and wherever books are sold on Friday October 1.
Brody stood in front of judges—Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Simon Cowell and was asked what song he would be performing. Brody replied, “Stand in the Light,” a song originally sang by Jordan Smith.When asked by Mandel why he chose that song, he explained that “Stand in the Light” applied to his life and the “struggles and battles” he has worked to overcome.
Mandel pushed him further, “What is the struggle you’ve overcome?” That’s when Brody admitted to the audience and to the world that he is transgender.
Less than five minutes later, Brody would finish singing the powerful song, the audience and judges would all be on their feet, and he would receive the four yeses needed to move on in the competition.
I spoke to Brody about the experience and what it means to be able to share his story.
Brody Ray: Grew Up As Natalie But This Transformed Singer's GOT TALENT! | America's Got Talent 2018 youtu.be
You walk on stage. You’re in front of hundreds of people and four judges. Were you nervous? What was going through your mind?
I was nervous. It’s taken me awhile to get to this point where I can put the nerves behind me. These people are just like us. Sure they can make or break me, but I felt comfortable and confident. I was able to put those nerves aside and just focus on the music.
There are so many great songs out there. What made you choose the song “Standing in the Light”?
I heard the song years ago, and it almost had me in tears. It made me feel so connected with the song. People are going to talk about you, but we need to stand in the light and be proud of who we are. I thought what a perfect lyric for this moment. I went back and forth 3-4 weeks on a song, but when it came down to it, that was the one.
You got a standing ovation from the audience and the judges. Talk to me about what was going through your head when you saw everyone on their feet.
During my performance I was focusing on the crowd and working to connect with them. I knew I might screw up if I focused on the judges. I didn’t get to see Mel B share a tear with me or how into it Heidi was. Someone told me Simon was tapping his foot. But i didn’t even know they were on their feet. Everything just came full circle with my transition and with my vocals.
I lost my voice for a year and so it was a challenge. Everything came full circle. I was overwhelmed with gratitude. It was just perfect.
The judges gave you some great feedback. What stuck out the most?
Howie’s feedback really stuck out. He told me ‘You are standing in the light.’
The people that are inspired by it, that is the feedback that matters. We don’t have to live in a bubble. We can live happy, successful lives. I want people to know I’m not just a trans guy, I’m singer.
Looking back on the audition, was there anything you would have changed or were you pleased with it?
I am very happy with it. I was cringing listening to me sing. It seemed too fast. My voice was shaky. But I know I have to stand back and for once let it be and let it happen. I told myself you did a good job, Brody.
Photos: Trae Patton/NBC
The series focuses on the story of four couples whose attempts to spice up their lives results in far deeper explorations of self. As each travels through his or her own secret desires (including one character, played by the gorgeous Horacio Pancheri, who discovers he is gay), the game takes on a life of its own and the couples must face the impact of their decisions and their own perspectives on sexuality.
El Juego de las Llaves (The Game of Keys) is brought to you by Pantaya, the Spanish language premium streaming service. A hit in Spanish-speaking countries, the series is now being brought to the U.S. with very accessible subtitles in time for National Hispanic or Latinx Heritage Month.
Season 2 is now available on PANTAYA, the Spanish language premium streaming service.
RECAP
If you're curious about what happened in Season 1, check out the trailer here: