Sampson McCormick, award winning veteran, black queer comedy pioneer and filmmaker, recently completed his newest film “Love The One You’re With“, which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. This comes on the heels of his most recent, highly acclaimed comedy special “Church Boy”, filmed at the DC Comedy Loft.

The film “Love The One You’re With”, is a story that focuses on many themes including mental health, family dynamics, ghosting and communication issues that affect those seeking connections in the modern dating world, and maintain the connections in long term relationships. 

In a dating climate where ghosting, polyamory and everyone in search of the next best thing are beyond the norm, it goes without saying that for any hopeless romantic, prospects for a successful dating life seem slim to none. Even for those in long term, “monogamous relationships”, the currents of temptation are certain to rock the boats of perhaps even the sturdiest of relationships. What it all ultimately boils down to, is knowing what you want, being honest and embracing the possibility of heartbreak.

In the new dramatic comedy “Love The One You’re With”, (2021, run time: 64 minutes) the third, written and executive produced by award winning black queer comedy pioneer, writer and filmmaker Sampson McCormick, whose work has been featured at Harvard University, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and even as the first, black queer comedian to headline a show for three consecutive years at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, not only does McCormick approach the topic of relationships and dating in a raw and honest way, but stays true to his dedication to authentic narratives of black queer men, tackling issues related to the community that affect our dating lives, such as self –esteem, coming out, drug use, not communicating honestly, the reality of interference from social media in relationships, and in some cases overlooking those who are right in front of us who could offer possibilities of romance.

The story follows a black queer couple Miles (Donnie Hue Frazier) and Avery (Anthony Bawn) as they tread the rocky waters of a possible break up during a lapse in communication over the course of their six–year relationship. While confronting the challenges that threaten their relationship, Miles’ best friend, Rene (Sampson McCormick) also a black, gay man and the blunt and tactless owner of an old school coffee shop affected by neighborhood gentrification in Inglewood, tries to help him make decisions that will save his relationship, while also being willing to step back and let life teach his friend a lesson, as he navigates the challenges of running a black business and unexpectedly walking into romance himself.

The cast features: Donnie Hue Frazier, Anthony Bawn, Danny Royce, Jefferey L. Jones–Dickson Jr., Jessica Shaday, Sampson McCormick (BET, TV One, VICELAND) and Hope Flood (Baby Boy, Comic View). The film is sure to stir up some very necessary conversations about dating and relationships among queer people of color, and will be streaming on (youtube.com/sampson 247), VIM Media, Amazon, and screening at select film festivals. Other information about the film can be found here, and on Instagram

“Being Gay In Black Barber Shops” [From Comedy Special “Church Boy: Live at DC Comedy Loft”: 

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.