"Be Proud Of Love... Live Fearlessly"
Thursday, August 31, 2017
"It's True, Lovers Do Start To Look Alike..."
Amongst gay couples, it's often referred to as "A Boyfriend Twin"
"While you may be familiar with the old saying, “opposites attract,” in reality, what the heart wants is someone who resembles its owner and that resemblance increases the longer two lovebirds stay together.
University of Michigan psychologist Robert Zajonc conducted an experiment to test this phenomenon. He analyzed photographs of couples taken when they were newlyweds and photographs of the same couples taken 25 years later.
The results showed that the couples had grown to look more like each other over time. And, the happier that the couple said they were, the more likely they were to have increased in their physical similarity."
Read more about this interesting phenomenon here...
"Fear Eats the Soul"
"Selfie Love..."
"Selfie Love" - those beautiful, grainy, out-of-focus self-pics that capture the truth of true love...
"The Things That Love Says..."
- Mikhail Bulgakov
"Same Gender Loving People - No. 2800"
"When You Begin With Love, Everything Is Possible..."
Positive images of people like me... The truth of the matter is that we all need to see people like ourselves. So everyday, I'll post a photo, drawing or some other artwork that depicts Same Gender Loving People as what we are... Only Human.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
"This Made Me Smile..."
From 1974, Mad Magazine had a regular feature called a "fold-in"
Folding the page at the "A" and "B" marks revealed a different image:
"Same Gender Loving People - No. 2799"
"Love Is Joy..."
Positive images of people like me... The truth of the matter is that we all need to see people like ourselves. So everyday, I'll post a photo, drawing or some other artwork that depicts Same Gender Loving People as what we are... Only Human.
"The Truth About Who We Are..."
by thegaymenproject
photos by Kevin Truong
Peter-James, in his own words: "In this political climate; a time when you can't open your phone without seeing another debate or think piece on "identity politics" I find myself at the intersection of QPOC (Queer person of color) and a gay man. "Gay" was always used as a slur against me during my childhood and adolescence. Even before I knew what gay was, let alone my own grasp on my orientation, I knew of the negative connotation. As I came out physically and metaphorically in the big cities of Philadelphia and New York, having grown up in the suburbs I quickly became exposed to spectrum of colors, genders and expressions that didn't exist in the homogenous place I called home. However, on the flip side there was the exclusion of POC in the gay community in clubs and definitely online. As exposés were written and the spotlight shone on this very subject I have embraced the term queer and the more inclusive community that it brings. Being a gay and queer man means for me to continuously be open minded to new ideas, perspectives and experiences. I'm constantly learning!
When I recall the challenges I've faced in my life, I immediately think of my biological mother passing away of complications during childbirth; being born 3 months premature; feeling inadequate in school (academics, sports and social interactions); I tap into my experience of growing up in a mostly white household, and how at such a young age I had to defend my family unit as "normal". Having a lisp as a child didn't help matters of being accused of being gay either - how confusing it was to have to grapple with what a sexual identity even is in 2nd grade onward. Having to drop out of art school. And of course the trials and tribulations of attempting to date women... But, in tandem I think of my successes; having a family that loved me unconditionally; the odds I beat of being a premie and "under-developed"; that I could have meaningful and fulfilling friendships; excel in the workplace regardless of a degree; that I could come out on my own time, and be/build a life with my partner.
[With regards to coming out] How many times do we lie to our parents? Coming home from school and answering "How was your day today?" with "Fine," and quickly breezing past any possible reasons to suspect otherwise and retreat to our hiding places. I dodged many questions of, "Are you seeing anyone?" with "No, I don't have any time." It was Easter weekend that I was visiting my parents, and asked the same usual questioning, I changed my answer to "Yes," and showed my mom a photo of me, Manny and José James (the singer who's show we met at). It wasn't a lot of questions after I disclosed, my mother in fact told my father and the rest of my family before I had the chance to. For a while my parents felt hurt, but I was confident in my decision to wait on my own time before thrusting a new and vulnerable relationship (my first) into the stress and spotlight of family events, holidays and the like.The good news was I overcame any fear/negative thoughts about being gay a long time ago. The confusing part, even though I sensed a physical attraction to men, an emotional one I did not. It wasn't until I met Manny did my feelings begin to change, and so the first year of our togetherness was a test of could I be with another man. After 365 days of test-driving, I decided to take my new vehicle off the lot and onto the winding roads, driving down to the Philadelphia suburbs, where we had breakfast in a diner with my parents. It was my birthday weekend. As a gift, my Dad gave me his vintage record player, perfect for any Brooklynite, but especially a couple who met and connected through music.
New York is one of the greatest cities in the world. If you want to be anonymous, there are 7+ million other people for you to blend in with. If you like attention, you can be as loud as you want. For a young queer person, the possibilities are endless, and most New Yorkers have seen it all. The ability to be yourself and to try on different experiences is truly its biggest asset. The LGBTQ community here is as diverse as the many expressions that exist, the tricky part can be finding your place and people to co-exist with. Many of the legacy clubs are gone and with them a nightlife of yore. Many POC spaces have been compromised due to gentrification and rising rents. In their place, parties and special nights which many people like myself look forward to and follow around the city. Papi Juice, a QPOC party that occurs semi-regularly began in a small club in Bed-Stuy they quickly outgrew. The club itself didn't survive after they found a new and bigger space, with it a crowd with more white and straight folks then before. Everything evolves as the city itself evolves.
I think as a child and even a young adult I wanted to please the people I looked up to, whether it be my parents, family, elders, etc. A lot of the moral compass I believe was correct, but at times I think I overlooked the freedom of expression in order to come off as responsible and I may have forced myself to grow up too quickly. I genuinely think everything happens for a reason and usually there is a time and place for everything. My advice though to my younger self is to embrace the confidence, but also embrace the unknowns. You don't have to have all the answers and it's okay to deviate, not know what's coming next, and that sometimes being a little "out of control" doesn't need to equal being irresponsible."
"The Truth About Love..."
- Sigmund Freud
"The Truth About Love And Family..."
Gays With Kids
Aug. 23, 2017
Over 2 years ago, we spoke with experienced filmmaker Carlton Smith about his documentary featuring gay dad families created through foster-adopt. It was a heartfelt project that shone a light on the number of children in foster care (roughly 400,000 as referenced at the time) who desperately needed a home. And the large population of same-sex couples, many newly married, who were interested in starting families of their own.
Carlton working behind the scenes of "Finding Life"
The documentary, "Finding Life," is now complete and he hopes that those who watch it learn about becoming foster or adoptive parents and how much children benefit from finding loving homes.
"Many couples out there are just realizing that they can become foster or adoptive parents," said Smith, speaking with Gays With Kids. "I hope that people will see what the couples in our film went through and be inspired to start or expand their own families."
John and Marcus with their daughter
"I see people opening their minds and hearts more," said Smith.
He hopes that this documentary will continue to spread that message and share the inspirational tales from the families whose stories he shared. Seeing firsthand the depth of love these couples had for their kids had a profound affect on Smith.
Alex and David
As for the future, Smith is excited to see what happens next for "Finding Life." His hope is to make it mainstream so the film reaches a large audience, and changes lives. Or, more appropriately, help others find life.
The documentary is available on Amazon and Google Play, as well as Video on Demand. Watch the trailer below.
Finding life is a documentary that explores how same-sex families are changing the face of foster care. With 400,000 children currently in foster care, this film presents 7 same-sex families who push societal boundaries in order for foster kids, and these families, to find love and ultimately find life.
*******
"Fear Eats the Soul"
"Selfie Love..."
"Selfie Love" - those beautiful, grainy, out-of-focus self-pics that capture the truth of true love...
"It's True, Lovers Do Start To Look Alike..."
Amongst gay couples, it's often referred to as "A Boyfriend Twin"
"While you may be familiar with the old saying, “opposites attract,” in reality, what the heart wants is someone who resembles its owner and that resemblance increases the longer two lovebirds stay together.
University of Michigan psychologist Robert Zajonc conducted an experiment to test this phenomenon. He analyzed photographs of couples taken when they were newlyweds and photographs of the same couples taken 25 years later.
The results showed that the couples had grown to look more like each other over time. And, the happier that the couple said they were, the more likely they were to have increased in their physical similarity."
Read more about this interesting phenomenon here...
"Fear Eats the Soul"
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
"This Is A Love Song..."
This is the title song from the 1960 Indian cinema classic Chaudhvin Ka Chand
Lyrics
Hindi
Chaudhvin ka chaand ho, yaa aafataab ho
Jo bhi ho tum khudaa ki kasam, laajavaab ho
Chaudhvin ka chaand ho, yaa aafataab ho
Jo bhi ho tum khudaa ki kasam, laajavaab ho
Chaudhvin ka chaand ho
Zulfe hai jaise kaandhe pe baadal jhuke hue
Aankhe hai jaise may ke payaale bhare hue
Masti hai jisame pyaar ki tum, woh sharaab ho
Chaudhvin ka chaand ho
Cheharaa hai jaise jhil me khilataa huaa kaval
Yaa zindagi ke saaj pe chhedi hui gazal
Jaane bahaar tum kisi shaayar kaa khwaab ho
Chaudhvin ka chaand ho
Hotho pe khelati hai tabassum ki bijaliyaan
Sajade tumhaari raah me karati hai kaikashaan
Duniyaa-e-husn-o-ishq kaa tum hi shabaab ho
Chaudhvin ka chaand ho, yaa aafataab ho.
Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho
English
Are you the full moon, or the sun?
Whatever you are, I swear to God, you are beyond compare!
Your hair is like a soft cloud kissing your shoulders
Your eyes are like two goblets
And you are the wine that fills them with a zest for love.
Your face is like a beautiful lake on which your smile is a
blooming lotus flower
Or, it is like an ode from the instrument of life
My dear, you are a poet's dream.
Your smile is lightning upon your lips
Upon your entrance, any group of people will fall to the
ground, overwhelmed.
Of all the beauties in the world, you are the epitome.
Are you are a full moon, or the sun?
Whatever you are, my God you are incomparable!
"It's True, Lovers Do Start To Look Alike..."
Amongst gay couples, it's often referred to as "A Boyfriend Twin"
"While you may be familiar with the old saying, “opposites attract,” in reality, what the heart wants is someone who resembles its owner and that resemblance increases the longer two lovebirds stay together.
University of Michigan psychologist Robert Zajonc conducted an experiment to test this phenomenon. He analyzed photographs of couples taken when they were newlyweds and photographs of the same couples taken 25 years later.
The results showed that the couples had grown to look more like each other over time. And, the happier that the couple said they were, the more likely they were to have increased in their physical similarity."
Read more about this interesting phenomenon here...
"Fear Eats the Soul"
"Selfie Love..."
"Selfie Love" - those beautiful, grainy, out-of-focus self-pics that capture the truth of true love...
"Love And Life's Journeys..."
From the work of Chicago born photographer Richard Renaldi. Over the course of more than a decade, Richard has recorded images of himself and his partner Seth Boyd in their hotel rooms across the country and around the world for his project "Hotel Room Portraits."
I fell in love with these images from the very first time that I saw them. There is something incredibly familiar and comforting in recognizing not only the love between Richard and Seth, but also the rigors of travel and the occasional weary eyes and tiredness that we all fall prey to. Moreover, these photos reveal an intimacy and comfortableness that one finds only when two people are truly in love... They reveal "love and life's journeys."
Richard Renaldi was born in Chicago in 1968. He received his BFA in photography from New York University in 1990. Exhibitions of his photographs have been mounted in galleries and museums throughout the United States, Asia, and Europe. In 2006 Renaldi's first monograph, Figure and Ground, was published by the Aperture Foundation. His second monograph, Fall River Boys, was released in 2009. Richard Renaldi is the founder and publisher of Charles Lane Press.
Richard Renaldi was born in Chicago in 1968. He received his BFA in photography from New York University in 1990. Exhibitions of his photographs have been mounted in galleries and museums throughout the United States, Asia, and Europe. In 2006 Renaldi's first monograph, Figure and Ground, was published by the Aperture Foundation. His second monograph, Fall River Boys, was released in 2009. Richard Renaldi is the founder and publisher of Charles Lane Press."The Truth About Love..."
- Stefan Zweig
"Same Gender Loving People - No. 2798"
"Love In The Morning..."
Positive images of people like me... The truth of the matter is that we all need to see people like ourselves. So everyday, I'll post a photo, drawing or some other artwork that depicts Same Gender Loving People as what we are... Only Human.
Monday, August 28, 2017
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