In The Golden Pin (2009) Long, an avid swimmer, finds himself struggling between the expectations of his Asian family and the demands of his heart. His father wants him to marry soon, but his mother, haunted by a past romance, has other ideas. The film asks the question: Is love more powerful than fate? It seemed rather apt lately, particularly from a perspective of gay romance, so I thought I would share. What do you think, is love more powerful? Or is fate so tricky that love happens along the way?
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Jonathan’s Hope – Gay Fiction by Hans M. Hirschi
Welcome Hans M. Hirschi to the blog. He’s here to talk about his latest novel Jonathan’s Hope which deals with a young man forced from his home because of his sexuality. We also want to extend our very heartfelt congrats to Hans and his partner who are now the very proud fathers of a beautiful baby boy. (See his twitter feed for ultimate baby cuteness.) ~B.
When I started writing fiction again, the thought of writing about homelessness was not foremost on my mind.
No, that’s an understatement.
It wasn’t on my mind at all.
Yet Jonathan’s Hope is about a youth who is tossed out into a forest by his parents who want him dead without physically killing him. When I started writing that story I had just gotten another one out of my system, “Family Ties”, a book that is also in the process of being published. There, two brothers and their families gather for the funeral of their mother. They each face different demons and obstacles that might challenge not only their relationships, but their own well-being and future. That story is told in a 24 hour time frame, and deals with other difficult topics, from rape, infidelity, to child molestation, and of course, other challenging topics such as parenting, coming out, and living out and proud. [Read more…] about Jonathan’s Hope – Gay Fiction by Hans M. Hirschi
Hold on Tight – Public Displays of LGBT Affection
Holding hands or kissing in public isn’t for everyone. When it comes to same sex relationships, showing your love outside of the home is sometimes a complicated personal choice. This short documentary moves between the public and private spaces in which lesbian and gay couples live, and explores small gestures of human connectedness. These gentle interactions not only carry a huge personal significance, but also the potent power to create social change. Yet, for most people, being affectionate beyond the hall door isn’t intended as a political statement – it’s an expression of love. ~ Anna Rodgers
Hold on Tight from Anna Rodgers on Vimeo.
Fandom in LGBT Literature
I’ve never been able to understand fandom. To me it seems like a lot of valuing another person over yourself – almost idolizing them to the point of your own detriment. So I asked J.C. Lillis to come by and talk to us about her book How To Repair A Mechanical Heart since the plot revolves around fandom.
Brandon: Thanks for coming by J.C. Can you explain your perspective on fandom? After reading several of your other interviews I think it differs considerably from mine.
J.C.: Absolutely. I’ve been involved in fandoms since I was a teenager—sometimes as a lurker, sometimes as an active participant—and for me it’s never been about hero worship or an impulse to erase myself and become someone else. I mean, I tend to love antiheroes and villains, characters whose flaws are impossible to ignore and dangerous to emulate. I don’t think I could ever love a character or a fictional relationship that I put up on a pedestal. [Read more…] about Fandom in LGBT Literature
Heart of Timber – Book 2 of the Cold Series
We have a title for book two of the Cold series!
I have had so many emails about the next book – if there was going to be one, when it’s coming, what the title is… that I’m nearly overwhelmed. But it is a pleasure to see that so many of you have enjoyed the story despite its initial setting. I guess you, my readers, have proved that you can, in fact, love the unlovable. (Particularly when it came to Lem.)
Well, we’re switching locations in book two, but all I can say right now is to click on the picture below. It will give you a hint about where we are off to in the Heart of Timber. And, if you want to keep up with what’s happening with the new book, come join us on Goodreads.
Obscura Burning – Suzanne van Rooyen
Welcome friend and fellow author, Suzanne van Rooyen to the blog. I’ve put her to the test and asked which of her own books is her favorite and why. ~B
Reading has always been therapeutic, like going for a brief holiday every night that leaves me feeling rejuvenated and ready to face real life. Writing has proven even more cathartic as I immerse myself in the worlds I create and become my various characters be they cyborgs or androids, androgynous angels, genetically engineered super-soldiers, or troubled bisexual boys.
I’ve written several books, only two of which are published so far, and numerous short stories. I loved writing each and every story, from novel to flash fiction, for different reasons. Being forced to pick a favourite feels horribly unfair since they’re all dear to me, but since a favourite is what this post is all about I’ll have to choose Obscura Burning. [Read more…] about Obscura Burning – Suzanne van Rooyen
LGBT Music Monday – Matt Alber
Sometimes it’s just better to let the music speak for itself, but you should be aware that this openly gay singer/songwriter started his singing career in a church in Missouri. Needless to say, he chafed against the animosity he found there and has become a profound musical talent in his own right. His latest CD only solidifies what many in the LGBT community already know: he’s freaking awesome.
You can find Matt Alber’s touring schedule on his website, connect with him on Twitter or Facebook, or purchase his CD from CDBaby.
UK Writers and Publishers Coming Together for LGBT Youth
My friend and fellow author Elin Gregory and I share passions, LGBT youth and history. And while I don’t write historical fiction, she does it wonderfully. ~B.
Many thanks, Brandon, for agreeing to host me on your blog.
One of the big problems for an historical novelist is how much information to dump into your text. Whatever makes it into the final version has no business being there if it doesn’t move the story along, so sometimes hard decisions have to be made. One of the hardest decisions for me, while writing On a Lee Shore, was to cut out a lot of the text involving a very minor character – Will, the link boy. [Read more…] about UK Writers and Publishers Coming Together for LGBT Youth
LGBT Youth Prostituting for Survival
From the Front Line: A weekly post about what Lost-n-Found, a Homeless LGBT Youth organization in Atlanta, deals with on a daily basis. Names are changed or removed to protect the youth.
From the Hotline for Homeless LGBT Youth:
Often when we talk about LGBT kids prostituting themselves for survival, people automatically think of some kid standing on a street-corner waiting for a john to cruise by and pick them up. And while that does happen, too often there’s a more insidious form of prostitution going on behind the guise of a safe place to stay. [Read more…] about LGBT Youth Prostituting for Survival
LGBT Music Monday – Ryan Amador
If you haven’t heard Ryan Amador yet, you’re missing out. His new CD was just released on June 28th and is quickly gaining momentum.
The song DEFINE ME, an ode to LGBT equality, was released exclusively on Ryan Amador’s bandcamp in conjunction with his live performance at the True Colors LGBT Youth Conference on March 22nd. 100% of its proceeds was donated to organizations working towards LGBT equality.
Have a listen to several of his newest tunes below.
You can find out more about his music, his touring schedule and get links to purchase from his website, RyanAmador.com. (See his videos on Youtube.)