Spencer M. Collins IV’s journey into the world of acting, directing, and producing was not merely a career choice—it was a calling. A calling nurtured by faith, community, and a deep desire to see stories like his own reflected on stage and screen. From the moment Sister Marcia Brathwaite recognized his talent and entered him into a contest in Burbank, California—one that he won—his destiny was set in motion. That victory led him to Los Angeles, where he arrived with dreams larger than the city itself.

Yet, those dreams evolved. While acting was his first love, a glaring absence in the industry made itself impossible to ignore. Authentic queer narratives—ones that truly captured the depth, humanity, and complexity of LGBTQ+ individuals—were scarce. Spencer knew he had to step behind the camera to change that. He had to become the storyteller he once searched for.

A Life-Changing Encounter

A pivotal moment in his journey came through an encounter with the legendary Sheryl Lee Ralph. A powerhouse in both entertainment and activism, Ralph did more than inspire—she empowered. She didn’t just encourage Spencer to live in his truth; she demanded it. Her fearless advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness and her unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community gave Spencer the courage to embrace his own authenticity, both in life and in art.

“She didn’t just give me permission to be my authentic queer self—she insisted on it.” That insistence became a cornerstone of his career, allowing him to push past limitations, defy expectations, and create without fear.

Overcoming Internal and External Barriers

Spencer’s biggest challenge was not external—it was internal. Early in his career, he struggled with authenticity, afraid to fully embrace who he was. That fear manifested in his work, preventing him from delivering performances and stories rooted in truth. But the moment he accepted himself, everything changed. His art flourished, his message became clearer, and his work took on a new level of emotional depth.

“You can’t perform in Truth if you’re not Living in it.”

The Birth of BLACMail Productions

The need for more authentic Black queer narratives led to the creation of BLACMail Productions (Black Leaders in Art & Cinema) in 2010. It started with a conversation—one that challenged the lack of positive portrayals of Black gay men in theater. When Robert Howell asked, “Why aren’t there more stories about us that show us in a positive light?” Spencer responded with a simple yet powerful truth: “Because you haven’t written it yet.”

That conversation sparked the creation of Can God’s Love Reach You in the Dark?, a stage play exploring faith and sexuality in a Christian household. Faced with industry resistance to its subject matter, Spencer decided he wouldn’t wait for permission to tell necessary stories. Instead, he carved out his own space—one that would champion authenticity, integrity, and unapologetic storytelling.

A Mission Rooted in Awareness and Advocacy

HIV/AIDS awareness became another crucial pillar of Spencer’s work. Having experienced firsthand the weight of an HIV-positive diagnosis, he refused to let his journey be in vain. He turned his pain into purpose, using his platform to educate, empower, and protect others.

“I wanted to use my journey to ensure that no other Black boy would have to look his mother in the eyes and deliver the news I had to give mine.”

Through BLACMail Productions, he seamlessly weaves HIV/AIDS awareness into his work, ensuring it remains a universal conversation rather than a niche issue. The company partners with organizations like AHF/BLACC, AMAAD Institute, APLA, and Reach-LA, working tirelessly to break stigma and provide education.

Groundbreaking Productions and Industry Recognition

Two projects stand as defining achievements in Spencer’s career:

  • Can God’s Love Reach You in the Dark? – A powerful stage play that received nominations from the NAACP Theatre and Image Awards, sparking critical conversations on faith, sexuality, and acceptance.
  • Velvet Jesus – BLACMail’s first feature film, starring Ernest Harden Jr. and Jensen Atwood, which garnered multiple awards at the H.A.P.A. Awards, including Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Director. The film even earned recognition from the Golden Globes.

These productions, among many others, solidified BLACMail Productions as a force in the entertainment industry—one that prioritizes bold, necessary, and transformative storytelling.

A Year of Milestones: Unity, Completeness, and New Beginnings

As Spencer reflects on his journey, 2024 stands as a year of celebration and transformation. This year marks 10 years in his relationship, a milestone that signifies unity and completeness in his personal life. A decade of love, commitment, and growth—an achievement that is as profound as any professional accolade.

In his business life, 15 years of BLACMail Productions represents balance, harmony, and new beginnings. From its humble beginnings to a recognized leader in Black queer storytelling, BLACMail continues to thrive, breaking barriers and amplifying voices that have long been silenced. The journey has been filled with triumphs, challenges, and evolution, but through it all, Spencer remains steadfast in his mission.

A Lasting Impact

Authenticity remains at the heart of Spencer’s work. BLACMail Productions ensures that its stories are deeply connected to the lived experiences of Black and Queer communities by engaging in open dialogue, collaborating with community members, and holding post-production Q&A sessions to foster discussion and impact assessment.

Through annual events like World AIDS Day and National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, BLACMail Productions honors activists, educators, and artists who fight for representation and health equity. Spencer’s commitment has led to over 250 community members receiving well-deserved recognition for their contributions.

A Movement, Not Just a Production Company

Looking ahead, Spencer M. Collins IV envisions BLACMail Productions as more than a production house—it’s a movement. A movement that challenges perspectives, redefines representation, and ensures that Black and Queer stories are celebrated in every facet of entertainment.

He remains steadfast in his belief: We’ve come a long way, but the fight is far from over.

As long as there are stories left to tell, voices left to amplify, and hearts left to inspire, Spencer will continue to create, educate, and lead—with authenticity, integrity, and an unapologetic truth that resonates far beyond the screen.

Photography Credit: JJAlphaPhotography
Styling Credit: Janoffery Clark