Coming out in the 1970s Documentary from Gabriel Gasca on Vimeo.
coming out
Losing My Con Virginity
So, I finally did it. I took the plunge and came out to visit a few of my fans. It was a pleasant experience. Humorous mostly. The ladies were so gentle, as if I was going to run away if the crowd got too thick. “You okay?” was a constant. And, other than a developing cold that had me running back and forth to the loo (to blow my nose) like a coke head, I was okay. The panels were informative. I got a chance to meet so many of the authors I know only online, and I got a chance to grab a few books too. I wanted more, but no one was manning the tables at times.
Sue Brown made my whole day right from the start when she came racing around her table speechlessly grabbing me into an embrace. Loved that bubbly little smile the moment I saw it. We had a chance to have dinner later with several others and she made quite an impression on me, enough that I asked her to bring me some real British tea when we get a chance to meet again. (Which I hope happens.)
I have just met @TheBrandonShire. I am such a #fangirl. I lost the power of speech.
— Sue Brown (@suebrownstories) April 19, 2014
But somehow I came to the Con too late and missed the strip show and the hunk flashing his hot self to one of the ladies upstairs. (Think I might try getting “lost” in the hotel if I attend another con. Don’t think I’ll be so lucky though.)
Lisa, Joann, Susan, and Jodi were a hoot, and I want to especially thank them for their courtesy and graciousness. They made the trip worthwhile, as did many of the other authors I had a chance to meet.
If you get the chance, I would recommend Rainbow Con 2015, especially if you’re a reader looking for some great lgbt books. Or, if you’re an old cranky author who shies from the spotlight (like me), it’s still small enough that you’re not overwhelmed. Though honestly, I’m expecting this con to be one of the hottest tickets in just a few short years.
B.
Worst Thing About Coming Out
We hear a lot of stories, especially recently, about the wonders of coming out. Here’s an interesting documentary about what an LGBT person goes through and what happens after that momentous occasion. A common theme in this film, and what I often see in real life, is that teens especially fear their parent’s reaction much more than they do their peers. Or is it as one person suggests, that you are perpetually coming out? You decide.
Worst Thing About Coming Out: stories of identity oppression 60 minutes documentary from Rob Schmidt on Vimeo.
“Gay” is not an insult…
For me, being called gay has never been an insult. I don’t worry too much about what people say, as much as what they do. And being somewhat physically aggressive myself, I have (in the past) sometimes welcomed the opportunity to stomp some manners and sense into those who believe themselves on a higher moral ground. But there are other, and better ways, to handle such situations as the video below shows.
Cole Strona from G.J + Iziki + Cole talks with Equality Hawaii’s Mathew Bellhouse-King about being bullied, getting called “gay” and how music can make a difference.
“Gay” is not an insult… from Equality Hawaii on Vimeo.
LGBT Music Monday – Sofia
Fell in love with this as soon as I heard it.
Sexuality – Not so Black and White
Today, I have asked J. James to the blog. We’re discussing his new book, Denial, Deceit, Discovery, which tells the story of the struggles in the life of Jack Ellis, a catholic man deep in denial about his sexuality. ~B.
In a recent review So So Gay said your book was ‘a thought provoking and evocative piece of literature that we found very difficult to put down’. Do you think your book is that different from the many other similar books about coming out?
J James: I think there are a few things that make DDD different. Probably the most obvious is the honesty and frankness of the book. It is all laid our bare for the reader so that they too feel that they are living the life of the protagonist. The level of emotion in the book is incredible and this pulls the reader in continuously. Readers will love the main character Jack in some parts and then be screaming at him in disbelief at others. The second main difference is the angle from which the coming out is portrayed. Having previously lived a straight life, Jack’s coming out was delayed and prolonged and then ultimately very dramatic when it did finally occur. It means that many people can connect with the story on different levels – gay, straight or just confused. Many of my readers have been women or straight guys because I think the story deals with relationships and the difficulties of growing up and many other wider issues and not just coming out. I think the book is incredibly relatable so such a diverse community of readers. [Read more…] about Sexuality – Not so Black and White