A new novel and HERE TV series starring DeAngelo Jackson in his first acting role in a non-adult movie
BY VICTOR MELAMED
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.”
Nathaniel J. Ryan stars as Pastor Eddie Lawrence in the series. 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.”
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.
