I write gay romance, but that’s not the reason I see myself
as part of the GLBT community. I have many friends who are bi, lesbian, or gay.
My best friend is gay, and when he came out to me during a movie date it didn’t
register on a richter scale. It wasn’t that I had guessed or I already knew,
but it just didn’t matter. He was himself regardless of his orientation. He was
my friend I loved him then as much as I do now.
But even having friends doesn’t make me a part of the
community. I’m a part of the GLBT community because I want my friends and the
millions of strangers out there to have the same freedoms and rights I receive.
I read the news and my heart hurts for the abandoned youth and couples denied
basic human rights.
My novels are not strictly for naughty entertainment. I don’t
think any political statement made in them could change the world, but there’s
no telling what might open an eye somewhere.In my latest release Paid Leave I built the story around two statements I wanted to make without making it obvious. The lead struggles against hate for his badge and for his sexual orientation. Benji is lucky enough to be in a novel where happy endings are expected, but not everyone lives where they can believe it will get better.
And that’s another reason I’m a part of GLBT community.
Until the world is equal, I’ll be around doing what I can to stop prejudice and
hate.
That said, if you ever want to donate to some awesome sources, don't forget HRC and It Gets Better. They do the hard work.
That said, if you ever want to donate to some awesome sources, don't forget HRC and It Gets Better. They do the hard work.
Hayley’s giveaway:
Leave me a comment. One winner will be selected to receive a
Paid Leave coffee mug and coffee from the shop that inspired Beans. (Neal's shop in Paid Leave)
Queer Town Abbey grand prize giveaway:
To enter, answer this question: Where did my best friend come
out to me?
(for more info on the grand prize, and to read the other blogs in the hop, visit Queer Town Abbey.
(for more info on the grand prize, and to read the other blogs in the hop, visit Queer Town Abbey.
Benji is lucky enough to be in a novel where happy endings are expected, but not everyone lives where they can believe it will get better.
ReplyDeleteAnd that’s another reason I’m a part of GLBT community. Until the world is equal, I’ll be around doing what I can to stop prejudice and hate.
As much a statement to the power of fiction as an answer to the question!
Oh, and the answer to your question: a movie date.
My novels are not strictly for naughty entertainment. I don’t think any political statement made in them could change the world, but there’s no telling what might open an eye somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI think this is really important, and sometimes gets overlooked because romance stories get often get dismissed as fluffy entertainment primarily for women. The first interracial kiss ever depicted on television anywhere was on Star Trek. I believe in the power of fandoms to change minds, policies, and the future. :-)
It was a movie date
ReplyDeletevitajex(at)aol(dot)com
Great post. Thanks so much for taking part in the hop and sharing your own story and why you support the GLBT community.
ReplyDeleteH.B.
humhumbum AT yahoo DOT com
Happy endings are my favorite kind ^_^
ReplyDeleteThe answer to your question is: On your movie date.
penumbrareads(at)gmail(dot)com
I loved reading about Benji! Happily ever after is something not everyone manages to find, which is why some romance authors write what they do, to give those fellas their much deserved happiness. Thank you for writing Benji's story and for taking part in the hop! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThe answer is a movie date
ReplyDeleteThanks for being part of the hop
Wolphcall(at)bellsouth(dot)net
In High School in 1966 in our Music Appreciation. She said:" I'm in love...with another girl." I hardly missed a beat. BTW, we're still best friends.
ReplyDeletelena.grey.iam@gmail.com
At a movie date. I don't have any close friends who have come out to me but I hope that my reaction would be to support them.
ReplyDeleteromanczukc@yahoo.com
I don't drink coffee, so I'm just commenting to let you that I loved what you had to say and appreciated you being part of the hop. I bought Paid Leave but haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I'm looking forward even more to reading it with your thoughts in mind.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
Thanks for the great post. Sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteMovie date.
sstrode at scrtc dot com
" I’m a part of the GLBT community because I want my friends and the millions of strangers out there to have the same freedoms and rights I receive. I read the news and my heart hurts for the abandoned youth and couples denied basic human rights."
ReplyDeleteOh.My.Gosh..... THIS! Right there... This sums it up so very perfectly. This one answer made me cry.
Darlene
Darleneg77@yahoo.com
Thank you for your blog post and for participating in the hop! I don't drink coffee, so please feel free to leave me out of the draw. I just wanted to say that your post is appreciated.
ReplyDelete-Marie
awindandbooks at gmail dot com
Such a beautiful post. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm a part of the GLBT community to spread love and acceptance. Because the only way to change the world, is to make changes yourself, not just waiting around for someone else to do it for you. Oh, and the answer was a movie date.
ReplyDeletetiger-chick-1(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thank you so much for doing the hop! I read "Paid Leave" a few weeks ago and I absolutely loved it. I would love to see what inspired "Beans." Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteSophieBonaste at gmail dot com
Thanks so much for posting about your friend. I haven't read Paid Leave but I'd love to win your fun prize!
ReplyDeleteOceanAkers @ aol.com