Black Rayne Productions announces the launch of our Mental Health Awareness Initiative
For almost 2 decades Black Rayne Productions has been a pioneer and trendsetter in adult content production within the black gay community. Our goal has always been to provide content creators and collaborators a platform to feature their work, passion and brand.
Recently our leadership team created a Cultural Impact Division. Its purpose is to create awareness within our community regarding sexual health, emotional health and mental wellness. With that in mind, we designed the Embrace Initiative to shine a spotlight on the need for conversation, increased empathy and understanding and a CALL TO ACTION!
To do this, our objectives are clear. 1) Create Awareness. 2) Provide Resources. 3) Collaborate with community leaders and programs.
1) Create Awareness – Partnership with GiovaniV
Keith Johnson or publicly known as Gio or GiovanniXXXV, actor, writer, producer and former Black Rayne Collaborator has long been a champion for mental health awareness and action amongst black gay men. His passion led to this partnership.
His desire is to support and encourage black and brown gay men to not only be willing to take the step and open up about loneliness, depression and thoughts of suicide but to create the space for conversation and support. Here It in his own words.
The Epidemic is REAL, Numbers Staggering!
Black and brown men face a disproportionate burden of mental health challenges, including a higher risk of suicide, depression, and other mental health conditions, often exacerbated by societal factors like racism and discrimination. Cultural stigma, lack of access to culturally competent care, and emotional stoicism within some communities contribute to the underreporting and undertreatment of mental health issues among Black and brown men.
Mental health is a topic that many black and brown men consider taboo and do not often discuss. The fact is that depression is one of the most common mental illnesses amongst us but an underrecognized and undertreated problem among black and brown men. Common beliefs about mental health within our community include the following:
Being depressed is just normal, and talking about it is weak.
Getting help is the same as telling your business to a stranger.
Nobody cares about your mental health anyway.
These statements are not true. Mental illness is real and affects us all, whether or not we choose to talk about it.
Stats will go here.
2) Provide Resources – Where can help be found?
What WE can do as a Community
To shift the culture around mental health for Black men, it’s crucial to destigmatize mental health concerns, promote open conversations, and address systemic barriers. This involves using inclusive language, fostering supportive communities, and creating culturally competent resources. Specifically, this means challenging traditional gender roles that emphasize stoicism and resilience, and instead promoting the idea that vulnerability is a strength
People have the knowledge, skills, experiences and connections services need to understand in order to support their physical and mental health. Partnership working contributes to defining ‘shared outcomes’ that meet the needs of their communities.
The 5 Cs of Mental Health
The 5 Cs of Mental Health refer to five key components that contribute to overall mental well-being:
1 Competence: Feeling confident in one’s abilities and having a sense of purpose and achievement.
2 Confidence: Believing in oneself and having a positive self-image.
3 Connection: Feeling connected to others, having strong social relationships, and feeling supported.
4 Compassion: Showing empathy and care for oneself and others, and being able to regulate emotions effectively.
5 Control: Feeling a sense of agency and being able to manage stress and challenges
How You Can Find Support
Black Rayne has partnered with numerous organizations across the country in an effort to amplify the message and subject of Mental Health! Below you will find some of our most notable partners. for additional information click the link below for ways to find help within your area.
In closing, let’s open our arms and our hearts to identify and address mental health factors. No one should be made to heal alone.
For additional Support – Please Click here.
Our Cultural Impact Partners
