For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, June 16, 2004

FIRST BLACK GAY SERIES TO PREMIERE AT FRAMELINE 28

WASHINGTON — “Noah’s Arc,” America’s first black gay television series, will premiere at the famous Castro Theatre Friday, June 18, 2004 at 8:30 p.m. as part of the 28th Annual San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, Frameline 28. The Castro Theatre is located at 429 Castro Street in to the heart of San Francisco. This event is sponsored by the Black AIDS Institute and the Human Rights Campaign.

Noah, Alex, Ricky and Chance are four friends living the gay life in Los Angeles. Noah (Darryl Stephens) is a struggling screenwriter embarking on a new love affair with newly out and much more successful screenwriter, Wade (Jensen Atwood). HIV/AIDS counselor Alex (Rodney Chester) always keeps it real with his clients but struggles to do the same with his anesthesiologist boyfriend, Trey (Gregory Keith). Ricky (Christian Vincent) owns a trendy and hip clothing store on Melrose and is the playboy of the group, while college professor Chance (Doug Spearman) has recently married and adopted his partner Eddie’s (Jonathan Julian) three-year-old daughter after a whirlwind courtship. Throw in Chance’s amorous teaching assistant, Bryan (Johnny Smith), Ricky’s hot, new store clerk, Dwayne (Nate Adams) and flamboyantly fabulous fashion designer Romeo (Dwen Curry) and you’ve got a recipe for delicious drama, side-splitting comedy and shocking sexuality.

Full of humor, pathos and insight, “Noah’s Arc” gives today's black gay community a voice in a sea of gay and lesbian programming.

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender organization, is co-sponsoring the event and is helping to promote “Noah’s Arc.” HRC is promoting the series as part of its efforts to help ensure education and understanding about diversity in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

Produced by Carol Ann Shine and Jasmyne Cannick, “Noah’s Arc” is written, directed and executive produced by Patrik-Ian Polk.

The first installment of “Noah’s Arc” season one will be available for purchase on DVD and video June 22, 2004.

Press photos are available on series' official website.

The Black AIDS Institute is the only national public policy and research organization in the United States focused exclusively on HIV/AIDS among Black people.  The Institute's mission is to stop the AIDS pandemic in Black Communities by mobilizing Black institutions and individuals in efforts to confront HIV. The Institute develops and interprets public and private sector HIV policies, conducts trainings, offers technical assistance, disseminates information and provides advocacy from a uniquely and unapologetically Black point of view.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.

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