Photographer and director John Gress and singer/songwriter Marshall Titus have released "I Will," a powerful new music video that addresses HIV and stigma among Black gay men. The video accompanies Marshall Titus' moving and soulful track.
Watch the powerful new video AFTER THE JUMP ...
The beautifully lensed video tells the story of a young man who becomes depressed after learning his HIV positive diagnosis. He shares his serostatus with friends and a potential new romantic interest, who all offers their love and support.
Gress explains his inspiration:
The storyline for my latest music video, “I Will,” was inspired by a public service announcement I shot for "A Day With HIV In America", a campaign which sets out to stop the stigma of HIV.
For almost 30 years the focus solely on condom usage and fear has led to a rift in our society. People who are negative run from people who are positive, and people who are positive run from people who are negative to avoid rejection. People who think they are negative are afraid to be tested because the last thing any one wants is to be marginalized.
I wanted to show that although an HIV diagnosis can be a traumatic event, everyone has people who will love, support and accept them. I purposefully only disclosed the HIV status of one of the charactersfor two reasons. I wanted it to be possible that the lead character went on a date with someone HIV-negative. The other reason is that we can’t tell who is positive and who is negative.
The video comes as data show Black gay/bisexual men continue to be hardest hit by HIV/AIDS. New HIV infections among young Black gay and bisexual men have increased by almost half, according to "alarming" new trends reported by the Centers for Disease Controls.
The second annual "A Day With HIV In America" will be September 21. The project will capture the collective portrait of those living with HIV. Submit your photos HERE. The campaign and music video is sponsored by Positively Aware.
More info on Marshall Titus. Buy the single at iTunes.
Watch the powerful new video AFTER THE JUMP ...
Beautiful!
Posted by: Benjamin | 16 September 2011 at 11:09
Outstanding video and great to hear new music from Marshall!
Posted by: LavenderpopGay | 16 September 2011 at 12:05
This is incredible. Thank you Marshall Titus and John Gress!
Posted by: Desmond | 16 September 2011 at 13:21
very touching!
Posted by: BLK | 16 September 2011 at 15:31
WOW,BEAUTIFUL......THANKS
Posted by: Tom Glenn | 16 September 2011 at 15:41
Posting this weekend!
Posted by: thegayte-keeper | 16 September 2011 at 18:50
That was awesome!
Posted by: cj718 | 16 September 2011 at 21:13
Great message!
Posted by: tboi | 16 September 2011 at 22:07
I thoroughly enjoyed this. What a breath of fresh air! Thank you Rod for bringing this to our attention and I will definitely be on the lookout for more music from Mr. Titus!
Posted by: Distant Lover | 17 September 2011 at 02:17
Amazing Video!
Posted by: Dino | 17 September 2011 at 04:58
Given the seriousness of this video I feel kind badly to point out this singer needs to run to the dentist STAT.. those bottom teeth look like they're rotting. LOVE THE VIDEO. But man apt bruh. Or if you're going to insist on using HD BACK UP.. the oral was blocking the message for me a bit. (lowering my head in shame for noticing)
Posted by: Dentist Nazi | 17 September 2011 at 05:57
Love the message in the music! I will ... be posting it this weekend, too!
Posted by: Corey | 17 September 2011 at 08:14
oh wow. i'm crying. this is wonderful.
Posted by: Hassad Smith | 17 September 2011 at 08:16
I can't stop watching this video! Voice sounds great, beautiful video, and positive messages that focus on love and honesty not fear. Bravo!
Posted by: Procrastination_Xtravaganza | 17 September 2011 at 09:13
Wow is all I can say.This is a visually stunning video with a powerful message and the song is incredibly beautiful. Major kudos to Rod for always being groundbreaking in being the first to introduce videos like this to the community.
Posted by: a.davis | 17 September 2011 at 13:08
Um...can anyone say copy and paste??? Yes nice video message but come on it's obvious that they stole the concept from this short film on youtube called LIFE RESULTS see it for yourselves!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_egXhWoO9Ug
Posted by: Mavin Taylor | 17 September 2011 at 18:24
that was a great video. the singing was quite good too. thanks Rod
Posted by: fff | 17 September 2011 at 20:14
Thanks, Rod. Grace and Strength in that message......
Posted by: Duane Johnson | 18 September 2011 at 15:27
WOW
Posted by: BLACK | 18 September 2011 at 17:37
Singer Marshall Titus and I have responded to many of your comments with this video commentary http://youtu.be/5dJnLzcqnAU Thanks for watching and letting us know what you think!
@Marvin Taylor. We developed the story line after combining the song and interviews I conducted for this PSA - http://youtu.be/89x4lWHdFzs
Posted by: John Gress | 29 September 2011 at 07:46