Pride Month is almost over, and I haven’t really discussed it here. I almost skipped writing a newsletter this week, and am a few days late, but wanted to put something out there with a few of my thoughts.
People who know me probably already know that I am gay. But that’s not really the whole story, nor was it ever really. I never had the “self-realization” moment that define a lot of coming out stories. I was a little boy when I knew that I liked other boys. I didn’t really question it, and there was never part of me that questioned.
Don’t get me wrong, others questioned me. All the time. I tried to hide it as much as I could, and I wonder now if that made the torment, the bullying, the pain lesser, or more than it otherwise would have been. I am in awe of younger queer folks who are out and proud at an age when I shamefully joined in on queer bashing to try to push the focus off of myself.
But there are other things that I did have to discover, some much later than others. I didn’t have the language for a lot of things, and think that this is where some fear, confusion, and even hate comes from. Not that any of it is acceptable, but there are some times that I can understand how my safety in being out and open can be of value for myself and others around me.
The pandemic was a breeding ground for self discovery, all puns intended. It’s also been a place for mental health problems to form or deepen, and the queer community is not exempt.
Now people who are so inclined are returning to gay bars, being around others in person. That’s not my thing for a few reasons, not least of all is my lack of drinking. I’ve also had body image issues for all of my life, and the gay community doesn’t really help with that. That goes double for the part of myself that isn’t white and dealing with the fetishization that goes hand-in-hand with body dysmorphia.
Anyway, I’ve been finding my own place, especially over the past year and a half with more time at home and with self-introspection. It turns out there’s a lot more here than I previous thought. And I’ve been finding ways to share myself with others, and learning more about them. I’m thankful that I have a very supportive group of folks around me to help make all of this possible. And now I can introduce myself to you again.
So hello. My name is david. I use he/they pronouns. I am gay, pansexual, polyamorous, and polyromantic. I have multiple partners of various gender identities, and love them all. I am maybe cis but haven’t figured that out fully yet. I might be a demiboy or nonbinary or agender. We’ll figure that out in time.
Above all, I am queer, and I am proud. I love and I am loved.
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AITA for calling my SIL a racist after she compared my cooking to “making kung pao chicken”?
The insensitivity here is insane, especially in the edits that the author added for more clarity. People really do be that racist.
He Thought He Could Outfox the Gig Economy. He Was Wrong – Lauren Smiley, Wired
This hustle sounds so rough, and just such a damaging mindset. I hope that Jeff Fang has found some balance now.
How to start a newsletter with 0 subscribers – Lesley Sim
*starts writing notes for my next newsletter*
Lesley is half of the team behind Newsletter Glue, the only newsletter platform that I’ve actually enjoyed using so far. If only converting all of my old newsletters over were simple…
How to Survive the Worst Tornado in US History – Cody Cassidy, Wired
Less a how-to, more a vivid description of a freak weather event that had the perfect storm (another intended pun!) of circumstances around it.
Laws with jail time for copyright abuse, but not for corporate abuse. Cool.
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What Makes Disney Villains so Gay? | Matt Baume
There’s a reason that Queer Villain Pride is a thing.
Sci-Fi Short Film: “Happy Hunting” | DUST | Content Warning
This feels like definitely a place that livestreamers would end up going
Don’t Let Them In! The Urban Legends of Black-Eyed Children | Monstrum
I didn’t realize that this was such a widespread story. Gotta love the internet driven contributions to communal folklore.
The Search For Forrest Fenn’s Treasure – Inside A Mind
I knew that the treasure was found, but didn’t know who found it or where they ended up finding it. I’m glad that the community is mainly supportive of the discoverer, as this seemed like such a pure form of puzzle solvers enjoying the natural world.
FULL EPISODE | Tuca & Bertie Season 2 Premiere: Bird Mechanics | adult swim
Tuca & Bertie is back, still tackling issues that animated shows seem to do just better for me.
Lawsuits That Actually Weren’t Ridiculous
The lawsuits weren’t ridiculous, but the private insurance industry that made them necessary for the filers sure is.
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Furries Are Leading the Way in VR Sex – 2 Girls 1 Podcast
One of my favorite shows has a new host, and I’m happy to see that her first full episode is about a subculture that I am intimately familiar with. The furry part. I don’t really do anything with VR 😅
The Critical Race Theory Katamari Of Online Rage – The Content Mines
All of the conversations around CRT are the same: it’s not what you think it is, and the people who hate it don’t even know what it is. But I think it’s very cool that we’re passing new laws around things that can’t be taught in schools. Very cool.
Inspiring Music for Creatives – Rainy Day Piano
Sometimes I just want relaxing music with the sound of rain to zone out with. Is that a crime?!? I hope so
Wanna share the stuff that you liked this week? See yall next week and stay safe! 💝
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