It’s Pride month my dudes!
Happy Pride, everyone! I just want to say this month is for everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community. You belong in the community no matter your sexuality, gender identity, or lack thereof. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be a part of an amazing and supporting community just because you’re aro, ace, demi, or any other dumb stuff some people say is just a version of “straight”. You are valid and you are loved. If you’re questioning your sexuality/gender identity, take this time to read up and explore. Ask questions and be open! If you’re going to any pride events, be safe (drink responsibly, practice safe and consensual sex, be aware of the annoying but potentially dangerous anti-protestors with their dull and ugly signs).
I’ve been really into the history of the community because it has such diverse and brave origins. I highly recommend everyone watch some documentaries/read books. Those people paved the way, sacrificed their lives, and faced stigma so we won’t have to experience the oppression they did. I adore the HBO movie, The Normal Heart. It’s based on the play by Larry Kramer. It has an amazing cast which includes my future husband, Mark Ruffalo. Julia Roberts, Matt Bomer, and Jim Parsons are in it too. It’s about the aids crisis in the 50s and how people/US government viewed gay men back then. I don’t think its being streamed on Netflix but I rented it from Amazon video, totally worth it. You’re going to cry but it’s so good ugh.
In the spirit of Pride, I’m sharing an excerpt from my book, Anthropogene (working title) which features my two gay sons, Mason and Ash. The summary and status of the story will be available on my WIP page at the end of this month once I iron out some kinks in the world building aspect of the story. Enjoy pride my dudes!!
I should’ve known Ash wasn’t planning on studying after he recommended we take a break just seconds after opening a textbook. As much as I wanted to get back to learning the wonderful stages of mitosis, I couldn’t help but laugh at the random facts Ash was spouting out while darting across my room.
Presently, he was hovering over my dresser, inching dangerously close to my underwear drawer. “You know, people used to keep their sexualities and gender identities a secret. Being anything but cisgender and straight was social suicide back then. If your family didn’t support you, you’d be on the streets. Might lose a couple of friends and basic fundamental rights. It was wild back then.”
Before Ash could open the dreaded drawer, I sprang up and wedged myself between him and the dresser. He raised a quizzical brow, a ghost of a smile on his lips.
“I’m calling bullshit. Sexuality couldn’t have really mattered to them that much. It’s just a part of someone; just like their race or hair color. It doesn’t solely define a person.”
Ash moved his hands from the sides of the dresser to both sides of my waist. The motion caused a few of his black stands to sweep across his forehead, covering up his mischievous blue eyes.