Celebrated Make-Up artist, producer, actor and former fashion model, Dwight Allen O’Neal is about to unleash his new book, “Shoulda! Coulda! Woulda!, a hysterical rendition of the things he wished he knew before making the choices he did. By sharing his experiences, he hopes that fans and followers might learn something from his decisions and become inspired and empowered. The book is set to release June 1, 2020.
Coined the “gay boy next door”, O’Neal is known for producing and starring in the first black gay web series entitled Christopher Street-The Series. Additionally, he created and produced several major projects on Here TV (The Breeding), and Bravo TV, (Your Husband is Cheating on Us). He has used his “Gaylebrity” as an advocate for HIV/AIDS, trans rights and self-love. Dwight is currently hosting the podcast Shoulda Coulda Woulda.
I spoke with Dwight who was funny, candid, warm, and heart-felt regarding his penned words and life experiences.
Let’s hear about this new book of yours?
The book is called “Shoulda! Coulda! Woulda!” and that’s a southern term for looking back on things that you wish you did, or how it could’ve turned out differently. It’s a collection of different events that happened in my life specifically that hopefully will empower people or inspire them. I wanted to just capture the pivotal moments in my life from learning how to cook going out to my first gay club, also a scandal I was a part of in 2012 that I speak of vaguely. This is probably my fourth time trying to put a book together. I always stopped. What was really unique about this is it was a pull from the other four times that I tried to write to really tell my story. Originally when I was going to write a book there was a very public scandal with someone who was involved with people who were under- age. I was one that came forward, but I did it confidentially because of my career. I actually wound up pulling my name out of the case because of the stress…..
What do you think is going to draw people to buy your book?
To be honest, I have a podcast that kind of talks about things in a comical way which is called, “Shoulda Coulda Woulda.” I think people just wanted to learn more about me. My life’s journey will definitely attract them.
When do you do your podcast?
I do it every Wednesday. It’s on Spotify, iTunes, and all the major platforms. Each week I take a different lesson, for example, living in New York City. So, I talk about things you should know about before moving to the Big Apple. Last week I highlighted some of the best shows on Netflix to get you through this physical and social distancing. It was also about things that could occupy your time while at home. The podcast is fairly new and this year is my introduction back into the public. Many years ago I had an online show called Christopher Street. I produced the film by the name of “The Breeding.” I co-created a show on Bravo called “Your Husband Is Cheating on Us.” So, 2020 is my year to step back in front of the limelight by telling my story, the book and the podcast.
Do you plan on writing a sequel?
I do. I talk about things for example, there’s no such thing as a shy gene and how when I had my first screening for the movie I was shy. I talk about how I dealt with that. I talk about experience having a roommate and letting people move in with you. Then towards the end I talk about the scandal that I went into before. I leave the book at a place where I think the reader wants to know what happened with that scandal and what happen once I got married. This one it’s definitely mostly about me coming out as a young gay man and growing from adolescence to adulthood. My second book will definitely be about me embracing being an adult and what that life’s journey looks like. I’ve already started planning a sequel to the book.
Discover more about Dwight Allen O’Neal at www.ONealAppeal.com.