Gang Sign Thespian

I relate to this very strongly. Working as a Music therapist for RNID (Deaf organisation) in UK one of my clients was arrested by police because he was... the officer said "making rude gestures at me" Fortunately someone at the station understood he was Deaf and using Sign Language. Now the community liasion officer from the police force come visit RNID regularly to reassure the community that the police now treat Sign Language like any other language and take measures to ensure Deaf peoples rights are not affected. For example providing an Interpreter for communication. I think Gabriels story illustrates the positives (of the American Dream) that can be achieved from a seemingly impossible situation. Much respect.

Pete

DeafboyOne

From: ~FENDER CANDY INC~
Date: Dec 25, 2008 3:34 PM

Merry X..mas.. yes i did ck out thee video "Verry" touching and beautiful how someone can take a challenge and turn it into something so rewarding and give back Ur AWESOME!! BE BLESSED

Much Luv & Respect,Always Virginia

This documentary gives people insight to the obstacles my cousin, Gabriel, had to overcome not only as a Latino, but a Deaf Latino. His story gives inspiration and hope to those that are in similar situations. I'm proud of my primo's advocacy and work in the Deaf community.

Great video, very positive. If you put your mind to it any thing is possible.

u know i am deafnes and i suport gabriel 100% they arealot cops hat done know that we ar deaf and they dont learn howto sign or give a try on body sign lang sumtime they get lil rought with us when we get stop by them ad also doing american sign lang is soo wonderful to show everyone on our commucation but gangs member take everything wrong why tinkig that we are making fun of them en we are not mch love gbariel dont gie up i got ur back

THanks for sharing your life experince.. I wish you the best! good luck.. lisa

Gabriel Has always been a positive vato in everything he has done for as long as I've known him. I always see him in some function for the community no matter what it may be. I admire what Gabriel is doing for the Hearing impared people in his community. I hope everyone learns somethng from Gabriel's work ethic. Keep Up the good work HOMIE!

THANX 4 SHARING UR STORY IT'S TRULY AN INSPIRATION, ESPECIALLY 2 OUR YOUTH!

HOW YOU DOING BROTHA?

JUST STOP BY TO SAY THANK YOU FOR GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. THESE YOUNGSTERS NEED A LOT MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU AND I.

I NEVER LIKE TO HEAR THAT A YOUNGSTERS LIFE WAS CUT SHORT DUE TO FAST LIFE. I KNOW THESE YOUNGSTERS HAVE A GOOD HEART AND SOUL AND ITS PEOPLE LIKE YOU AND I HELP PULL THAT INNER PERSON OUT OF THEM.

IF YOU EVER, AND I MEAN EVER NEED A SPEAKER FOR A GROUP HOME, JAIL, SCHOOL OR JUST ONE YOUNG MAN HIT ME UP I WILL DO WHAT I CAN TO HELP OUT... HAVE A WOUNDERFUL CHRISTMAS,

ESE KEITH SOBRIETY DATE 09/07/04

The Video is wonderful. I don't really understand the 'gang' thing all that much... wheah I am originally from theah are no gangs... well unless you include boy scouts,... shrugs...
I do think it is a wonderful thing that you have found a different way to deal with life so that you are not involved in gangs and that you are helping to keep young people out of gangs. While I believe that young people really need to learn what it is like to be part of something biggah then themselves I think more along the lines of the military rathah then a gang. Some of the young men I saw in the video I have seen on tv and in the movies, most recently I have seen one of them on a tv show called 'sons of anarchy', Emilio I believe.
not really sure if that was what you were expecting when you asked me for my take on the video.
tayled

it true,,,,

good story it true.......

I voted up Homie, I think this project is was the people need. Gilbert has been a positive person on the community and I back his work 100% Stay Up Homie!!!!!!

Without a doubt this pod was honest. Gabriel came off as extremely sincere. The pod was positive and I like to see my L.A latinos portrayed as they are rather than what people expect them to be. Good Pod!

what a great job,everyone should see this , thanks for this, gracias
respectfully
lou pizarro
operation repo

It is intersting because It shows that there are other options besides choosing the gang life, gang life is one of the options but definately not the best (actually one of the worst). But if you make a mistake and choose the gang life It shows that you can get out! It's your choice!!!

HEY THATS ME IN THE PIC WITH THE GLASSES GABRIEL I ONE THE MOST DOWN TO EARTH GUYS I KNOW I HAVE KNOWN HIM A COUPLE OF YEARS ON SET.GABRIEL IS THE KIND OF GUY WHO WILL HELP YOU IF HE CAN.IF HE IS CONSISTENT AND DETERMINED HE WLL GO FAR I LOT OF RESPECT FOR HIM.

Gabriel is my primo and I'm proud of him and his endeavors. Individuals who are in the same situation may have been afraid to step out of familiarity because of fear of failure, but Gabriel proved to many that it is possible to acheive dreams and goals.

Wow, that was powerful. using what you have to get what you want and need. Perspective, it's all about perspectives. Handicap, or super power? You decide

Mr. Martinez's story is very inspirational.
he has not only given inspiration to the deaf people, but also who can hear perfectly well.
Kudos to him!

i enjoyed it. the film showed me a side of life that i didnt know existed. Deaf Gangsters...and how this one man has tried to take what the creater has given him and turn it into a gift rather than a handicap. Hes proactive and highlights the solutions rather than the problem. He's not a preacher but an activist.

Hey man,

This is an address of something that is totally out of the conscious mind frame of so many people. This documentary of the struggles of our deaf brothers and sisters really hit home for me and I am definitely giving you thumbs up for it. I would love to see this on main pages. Keep up the good work!

-CPr0ffitt

Wow, thats a side of life that people wouldn't normally expect.

How sad that this guy had cops that misinterpretted him... just cuz he looked "gangsta" or "thug"...

"The officer took it the wrong way... like i was telling him i was crazy..." when all he was, was deaf...

Damn.

Hell yeah, I have known Royal-G for a while now, and he has always been a very strong man, always positive. I think he is making a difference, and I am proud to vote up this video!

that's awesome that he's using his experiences to better the future of kids out there...

spreading the word for sure...

just fyi...i believe they have a get-togethers for the deaf community at the block of orange on the first friday of every month...(or last friday of every month..not quite sure)

thanks donald, for forwarding this link to me =D

this is super cool, though the target audience seems to be rather limited to deaf gang member turned actors. i suppose it's inspiring to other people as well.

i just want to say is that what Royal-g is talkin about
is some true stuff.im hearing but my parents are deaf
& we've been pulled over by cops and harrass by them
so it would be nice to see a movie i can sit down with my parents.

i think this is interesting n that deaf people should be respected n known caus its not their falut...me myself know how to do sign language n wen i see other ppl i like to help///i see that its real hard for them cause they cant talk or hear good..but this video is very good i hope everyone likes it

Awesome vid dude.

~I really like what Gabriel is doing, this is a good idea, for himself and from preventing kids to go into gangs, and also for the deaf community~

HEY GABE,
MY NAME LA LOKITA AND IM DEAF AND TELL U THAT S COOLZ STORY ABT UR HISTORY OF IN PAST TO NOW I AGREE WITH U ..I LIKE BE MOVIE STAR LIKE WHAT U DID IN MOVIES SO MAKE FEELING INSPRESSION AND KEEPING BUSINESS WHAT DEAF PEOPLE CAN DOING LIKE U AS WE ARE ALL GANGSTER BUT NOT LOOK FOR MURDER , KILL OR ETC BUT LIKE DRESS FOR SHOW RESPECT AND LOVES EACH OTHERS AND ALSO PROUD WHAT U DID IN MOVIES , GOOD JOBS AS WORK HARD ! GOOD LUCK !

I had the opportunity to hang out with the guys at the MATA expo the day they were filming this documentary. It was an amazing experience. I am well-educated and normally well-spoken. However, in a convention center full of members of the deaf community I was suddenly unable to get my point across at all. I felt so ignorant not being able to express myself at all because I couldn't speak ASL. I was very humbled to realize that this is what most hard of hearing people deal with on a daily basis while trying to function in a hearing world. I am so thankful I had the privilege to be there that day and gain some insight into what the deaf community needs and has to offer.

I think it is great for one of person in deaf world to create a shows or movie to show out of there about our deaf culture and gangster about! I think it will be great start for gabriel to do it! I believe in you! we support you all the way! hope see you at deaf nation expo and bring more celebrities. They were so sweet and friendly people from deaf mata expo which is worth of my admission and meet new people! :-D keep it up GABRIEL!

I loved hearing your story... You are truly an inspiration. I will definitely pass the word around for you. Ya sabes... mucho amor!!! Irma

I wish everyone will see them like normal people, not judge them like they are some alians, just as normal like me and you, thats goes for any thing in life, different folks for different strokes, that what make this world go round. no one in this world is perfect with love n respect mary from cali

Gabriel: i think that its good that you are telling kids that they can do something better than being out in the street and getting into trouble.

your great. i love you

MUAH!

hey tio this is a real nice story cuz it shows everybody how hard it is growin up deaf or partially deaf. Keep up da good work!!

GREAT STORY! EVERYONE SHOULD C THIS, IMA DO MY PART & PASS IT ALONG!..STAY UP!

WHATS UP BOOK WORM..ITS YA BOY ROBERT Z..
IT CAME OUT REAL GOOD HOMIE..HOPEFULLY YOU CAN AIR IT SOON. IT SENDS A POSITIVE MESSAGE TO OUR YOUTH. AND IT GIVES AN INDEPTH LOOK AT THE DAEF COMMUNITY. HOPE ALL IS WELL HOMIE. ALRRATOS!!!
JUST WANTED TO GIVE A QUICK"WHATS UP" TO MY HOMIE GABRIEL "(ROYAL G)"..GOOD JOB HOMIE!!!

ROB Z.

I really enjoyed this video, it opened my eyes to the hardships people go through in life. Knowing that it is posible for people to overcome them and walk with their head up high to help others, makes it all the better.

for those of u fanz/guest/friends would like to get to know me more please go on myspace search rolleninmy62@yahoo.com

very interesting subject, and well-done video!

Great Story

Good video, I liked it even though I dont normally go for all this "gangster" stuff. But this was good!

wow that was a great vid! Touching story.
Thank you Yolanda (aka Yolis) for sending me the link to it!!
Joy

hey gabriel nice video...its very insperational.
makes ppl think they can do good things in life rather than throwing it away cus they have a disability or something...
much love n respect
gogo

APPLAUSED TOROYAL-G'S SPEAK OUT ABT HIS LIFE AS GANGTER TO ADIVCE ALL OF YOU WHOMEVER CURRENT OR FORMERLY MEMBERS....I WANT ALL OF YOU TO BE CEASE AND QUIT OF BIG SILLY EGO TO BE PEER PRESSURE GENERAL VARIETY OF THE GANGS..I HAVE SEVEARL FRIENEDS WHO WERE IN THE JAIL OR PRISON DUE TO A VAST MISTAKE SIMPLY TO DO WRONG THE PATH...COULD TO LINKING ON THE PROPER OR FRIENDLY FIRES....I REMEMBERED OF D.F. WHO DEATH BY SAME GANG BROTHERHOOD STABLE HIS BACK AS SUDDENLY WALK AND FELL IN THE FRONT OF HIS HOME IN L.A.

HOPE ALL OF YOU WHOEVER WILL BE LEARN GRANT LESSONS AND FIX YOUR ACT CLEAN UP....

PEACE OUT

DAZZY

Cause I Think People Are Really Cruel in a way or another to people that are having difficulties in either comunicating or moving around.But we got to remember that we all are humans and we should help each other and have respect for everyone,and specially cause I know Gabriel and to me his a very talented guy and really down to earth with a big heart....And I'm happy to have him as my friend,and I'm doing this because this is a very good opportunity for me and others to come together as one voice and we could teach or learn from this experience.God Bless Everyone who's trying to make the difference and always wealling to help and to give back without expecting anything in return.

This is something that needs to be in the publics eye. Losing family to the prison system and death all because they got into the gang life. This is nothing I want for anymore of my family members. Gangs do not discrimnate look at Gabriel they still used him. They will use anyone that is willing to be apart of.

i think this fic wood great 4 the comuntity an it well reach the youngster an have great reponce

Interesting Im deaf n my left ear

crazy more people should watch things like this
Good job

As a personal friend of Gabriel's I know first hand that he is a dedicated professional, a talented actor and determined man. Gabriel has never let barriers slow him down. He is an inspiration to those who think they are different from the rest of the world. As a Chicano entertainer he is a role model for our young men. As a hearing impaired person he is a hero who has lead the way for every deaf or hearing impaired person who thinks that cannot accomplish their goals because of their handicap. I believe this is a story that cannot afford to be untold, in a world that is no in need of true life "Hero's".... take a stand and give him a hand.

Royal G.....Fabulous, Great, Awesome and what an inspiration you are, keep up with the wonderful work!!! All the best to you!!!!!!
Much Peace....AnnA

Gabriel's story is great because you not only he about the success of a young man making it out of the gangs, but you also catch a glimpse of the deaf community. It's a fascinating combination.

I'd love to see more about this story.

u know what im truely soo sorry i didnt know that deaf culter was getting hurtz by these real vatos. i gonna vote this for good and i will let my peoples know what going on we should be taking care of each out not killing each other Royal-G u are the best please give our kids good advice to stay off the street and get better career

it really true that there are deaf out there that cant hear as well and we need to show the world what deaf nation wide are getting lil hurt by other..

Man, that's quite the story.Very fascinating to see such a change in someones life, as well as such a successful one. Hell of a guy.

Thats so true. People need to see that! It will change the world lot if they care about that. Much love and respectful, Bro!

VATOS IM FROM THE REAL "G" WHEN I WAS IN SALODAD PRISON AND I SAW ONE DEAF VATOS DIDNT WANT TO JOINT THE GANG HE WAS MORE OF WORRY ABOUT EM SELF AND WATCHING HIS BACK BUT THERE WERE FEW VATOS WAS FUCKING WITH HIM AND I WENT UP AND BACK EM UP AND THIS VATOS JUST WENT ALONG WITH US I KNEW HE NEEDED SUM HELP BUT THEN THE FUCKEN PO PO FUCK EM UP CUZ THEY WERE TELL EM TO STOP FIGHTING AND HE DIDNT KNOW WHEN TO STOP TILL THEY BEAT HIS ASS WITH SHOTGUN RUBBER THAT WHEN HE STOP AND ROYAL G TELL THE WORLD WHAT IT LIKE THIS SHIT IS FOR REAL WE GOTTA TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER NOT STABBING OUR SELF ON BACK!

BROWN PRIDE FOR LIFE! AND MUCH LOVE TO THIS VATOS

my sister solamente told me about this and i think this is awesome. i vote up for u...

i saw this on myspace and i felt soo bad for this homie and i gotta step up and im sorry to hear what u are going thru where the part u were saying pulling the firearm that hit me really hard! dude i got ur back

ey mijo its solamente jessica... i realy hope u get 2 put this story out there... there are alot of people who would benifit from ur story mijo... i wish u all da luck in da world... u deserve this...

this is real life... sometimes we need to see whats real and out there and not made up stuff.. good luck royal g...

Iam deaf ness and i was raise with gabe we been there and done it all in fully we need word show our ppls (hearing) our deaf culter . what is alike to be deaf and hard of hearing .
I LOVE YOUUU !!!!

PaUlInE BArrIos ~ MMWWCHH !

very good gabriel and informative..i had the pleasure of meeting gabriel..he picked up a cake from me for his girl on mothers day..keep up the good work gabriel and pass on the awareness...

Great story!

I didnt say that what was said under my name above..
I said that I know how gangsta are about I grew up around my older brother's homeboyz even I was almost into a gang,but just decided to hang out with them..
my broter still looks like a gang banger and cops would always pull him over even one time they let loose their K9 dog for no reason my brother sued,but being that ya know he looks like a gang banger he lost the case.

Royal G baby you are inspiring everyone that they too can change their lives if they wanted too not just for themsleves but for their children ..
keep up the good work we love ya man...

I really think this was truly powerful and to know that everyone has the chance to change for the better in life regardless of what your disability maybe. I found this to be very positive and look forward to seeing more to come. Thank you Don Quintana for sharing. Keep up the good work Gabriel Martinez.

Yes! Yes! Very Nice!

This is interesting because when I was younger I got a book from my sister on sign language. I am not hearing impaired and didn't know anyone that was impaired I just thought the book was interesting and wanted to learn. well one day I say two people on the bus and they were signing and I had a chance to use the little I know the only sad thing is that I didn't retain the information fully and can't sign. I think Gabriel is a very talented man and am glad his gangster life only continues on tv because it gave me that chance to meet this intelligent,kind,very charming person in person.I know that he has great friends true friends and wish him all the prosperity life has to offer him.

it's always a good thing seeing POSITIVITY come out of the hood!!!

I am hard of hearing...not deaf, but I have had an eardrum replaced and tubes...Go Gabriel!!!