Happy anniversary!

For 30 years, the chorus has been a place for gay men to gather, support each other and express themselves in song. The chorus will close its 30th anniversary year with its first concert at Sacramento’s Memorial Auditorium, a single performance that will highlight the history of the community, with cameos by leaders of local LGBT organizations. The show also will showcase the Sacramento Children’s Choir and will benefit Sierra Forever Families, which specializes in helping foster children find their forever families.

Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus Celebrates 30th Anniversary – capradio.org

#lgbtq_ #music

Ferocious Designs appears on new ‘Rock Against Hate’ compilations benefiting LGBTQ+ causes

Ferocious Designs, the music project of Central New Jersey-based songwriter Brian Kelley, has contributed two tracks to the latest releases in BlowUpRadio.com‘s Rock Against Hate music compilation series. Rock Against Hate, volumes 7 and 8, will be available starting Friday, June 6, and all proceeds will benefit The Trevor Project and No More Dysphoria, respectively.

These latest releases will coincide with BlowUpRadio.com’s Rock Against Hate “Pride Month” Special, featuring live performances and selections from the compilations, starting at 9 a.m. EDT on Friday, June 6. The special will repeat every six hours through that weekend (June 6-8).

For more information, and to donate and listen, visit RockAgainstHate.org.

Also appearing on Rock Against Hate, Volume 7, is the late LGBTQ+ trailblazer and icon, Jill Sobule, who contributed a live version of her song “America Back” shortly before her untimely passing on May 1.

“It is a profound and bittersweet honor to appear on Rock Against Hate, Volume 7, alongside Jill Sobule,” said Kelley. “Jill performed at a very small venue less than 20 minutes from me in Central New Jersey in early April, and my wife and I nearly bought tickets to see her before realizing we couldn’t make it that night.

“I am a big fan of Jill’s work and her advocacy, and I’m proud to be taking part in a project she also supported,” added Kelley.

Kelley contributed a stripped-down version of his song “Peace of Mind,” featuring longtime friend and collaborator Christian Beach on acoustic guitar, for Rock Against Hate, Volume 7, benefiting The Trevor Project. The song, in its original form, appears on the 2023 album, Looking for the Light.

For Rock Against Hate, Volume 8, benefiting No More Dysphoria, Kelley submitted a “techno demo” of “It’s All Around You,” a song that appears in a more guitar-driven, power-pop format on his recently released EP, Off You Pop!

“We are seeing so many attacks on the LGBTQ+ community from the regime in power and its minions,” said Kelley. “My song ‘It’s All Around You’ is about trying to survive this fascist nightmare by finding strength and hope within one’s self and in the community and support systems around you — and these compilations are a small way for artists like me to help out and be allies in this fight.”

https://youtu.be/nHU3TBezORs

#benefit #BlowUpRadio #fundraising #indie #LGBTQ_ #music #NJ #NoMoreDysphoria #Pride #PrideMonth #RockAgainstHate #TheTrevorProject

In Pictures: Swansea Pride 2025

A colourful parade through the city centre was followed by an afternoon of live free entertainment in front of the Guildhall.

Swansea Pride is organised independently but supported by Swansea Council and Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights and Equalities said: “I want to thank everyone who came along to watch the parade or turned out to be part of it.

“Every year our city offers Swansea Pride a warm welcome and it this time it was brilliant with wall-to-wall sunshine.”

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “It was an amazing and colourful day. The afternoon of events at the Guildhall and Brangwyn Hall were full of energy and showcased the best of Swansea. It is really important for our communities that events like this take place every year and it keeps on growing.”

#featured #LGBTQ_ #Swansea #SwanseaPride

Swansea Pride parade and festival returns on Saturday

Once again, the festival is free and an open invitation is extended to all.

The annual parade is set to depart from Wind Street at 11am and will make its way along Oxford Street and St. Helen’s Road to the Guildhall.

A stage will be set up in the car park at the front of the building hosting live entertainment between noon and 7pm.

There will also be food and refreshment stalls as well as traders selling a range of items and merchandise.

Just like last year, the Swansea Pride Community Zone will be indoors in the neighbouring Brangwyn Hall with lots of information stalls from organisations, support services, charities, community groups and some craft traders as well.

Swansea Pride is organised independently but supported by Swansea Council.

Council Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration, Events and Tourism, Robert Francis-Davies said: “Once again the council is proud to be supporting the hard-working volunteers who do such a great job in making Swansea Pride the inclusive celebration that it is.

“This year is shaping-up to be as good ever and we are very grateful to them.”

Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights and Equalities, said: “Swansea Pride is one of the highlights of the year for the Pride community. It’s a opportunity to celebrate our city’s diversity in a carnival atmosphere of music and colour.

“The main stage will be outside the Guildhall and will offer live entertainment throughout the day.  The Brangwyn Hall will host the Swansea Pride Community Zone, with lots of information stalls from organisations, support services, charities, community groups and some craft traders as well.”

Council leader Rob Stewart, said: “This free event is one of many event  highlights  this year and there is an open invitation for people across Swansea and beyond to come along and enjoy what is always a great carnival atmosphere.”

A full list of acts, activities and other information can be found at www.swanseapride.co.uk

#Guildhall #LGBTQ_ #Parade #Pride #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaPride #WindStreet

“This Could Save a Life”: BBC Three’s Jake Devline-Reed champions new support group for Gay & Bi men across Wales

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, 27-year-old I Kissed A Boy star Jake Devline-Reed from Swansea has teamed up with Welsh men’s mental health not-for-profit Helpu to launch a new online support group for gay and bisexual men right across Wales.

Following the success of their Cardiff-based Gay & Bi Men’s group, and backed by NHS Wales Executive on Suicide Prevention and Self Harm, Helpu is expanding its reach by launching a fortnightly Wales wide online men’s group, starting Monday 18 May. 

Jake’s involvement marks a powerful moment for LGBTQ+ mental health in Wales, where recent ONS statistics show the need is urgent. LGB+ people are 2.5 times more likely to self-harm. Suicide rates are over twice as high as those of heterosexual people and bisexual people face the highest risk.

The new online group is said to offer a safe, confidential space for gay and bisexual men to connect, share, and support one another.

No stranger to the challenges of mental health and suicidal thoughts, Jake Devline understands the power of connection. “I’ve been in that dark place where you feel like you can’t talk to anyone — where suicidal thoughts creep in and isolation takes over. For me, connection was everything. That’s why I’m backing this group. It gives gay and bi men a space to be real, be heard, and realise they’re not alone. Sometimes, just knowing someone understands can make all the difference.”

Ian Smith, Director of Helpu believes the initiative is vital. “Our gay and bi men’s groups exist because too many men still feel isolated and unable to speak openly. These spaces allow men to connect without fear of judgment — and that kind of support can be lifesaving.”

With much of Wales being rural, accessibility is a major barrier to mental health support. Helpu’s new virtual group format is designed to break that barrier — reaching men wherever they are.

Phil Scully from Helpu said: “As someone living with a chronic illness, I know how hard it can be to attend events in person. That’s why I’m proud we’re launching an online group — to reach those who need community in a different way.” 

Michael Cameron, Group Facilitator from Helpu added: “So many of the men who come to our group have never spoken openly about how they feel — not even to their closest friends. What we offer isn’t therapy, but it is powerful. It’s about being seen, being heard, and realising you’re not broken or alone. That kind of connection can be a turning point.” 

Helpu will hold sessions online fortnightly at 7pm from Monday 18 May.

#LGBTQ_ #mentalHealth #Swansea

🔮 Historia del Tarot (Parte 2): Mitos, símbolos y magia según María Luisa Honey

En esta segunda parte de la historia del tarot, publicada originalmente en la revista Kena, la escritora Beatriz Espejo entrevista a María Luisa Honey, una mujer fascinante que nos abre las puertas al enigmático mundo del tarot francés. 🃏

Este tarot no solo incluye símbolos tradicionales, sino que se adentra en el arte, la mitología, la astrología… ¡y hasta en la historia de Napoleón Bonaparte! 👑🔥

Prepárate para descubrir lo que significan algunas de las cartas más potentes y misteriosas de este mazo único. Spoiler: hay drama, magia, traiciones, pasiones oscuras y hasta representación LGBTQ+. 🌈

💀 La muerte violenta: Aquiles y Héctor

“En el tarot francés, la muerte violenta aparece representada por una pintura en la que Aquiles arrastra en torno a los muros troyanos el cuerpo inanimado de Héctor.”

Esta imagen no solo habla de violencia literal, sino de rupturas emocionales profundas, pérdidas que transforman, finales inevitables que dan paso a nuevos comienzos.

🍎 La discusión: Paris y las diosas

Cuando Paris, rodeado de diosas, lanza una manzana gritando “¡para la más bella!”, no solo inicia la Guerra de Troya… también deja clara la energía de esta carta: conflictos, celos, competencia y caos emocional. 😬

🌳 Entrada a una vida mejor: El jardín de las Hespérides

Un oasis entre tanto caos. Esta carta representa esperanza, paz y una nueva etapa luminosa. Ideal para cuando has pasado por algo difícil y al fin ves la luz al final del túnel. 🌞

👯‍♂️ Amistad verdadera: Cástor y Pólux

Los gemelos mitológicos representan lealtad, complicidad y apoyo incondicional. Si te sale esta carta, piensa en esas amistades que son familia del alma. 💖

⚔️ Salir bien librado: Agamenón y Menelao

Los hermanos, saliendo del campo de batalla, simbolizan superación de obstáculos y éxito en medio del caos. Aunque parezca imposible, vas a lograrlo. 💪

🕊️ Abuso de confianza: El rapto de Helena

La escena del rapto de Helena no es romántica, es un llamado de atención: engaño, traición y manipulación emocional. Cuidado con quien te rodea… no todo lo que brilla es oro. ⚠️

🧪 Protección mágica: Medea y sus polvos

Medea, famosa hechicera, aparece recibiendo dinero a cambio de ciertos polvos mágicos. Esta carta sugiere protección poderosa, rituales, brujería ancestral y pactos secretos. 🕯️✨

🐂 Pasiones oscuras: Júpiter y Europa

Cuando Júpiter, disfrazado de toro, rapta a Europa, el tarot nos habla de deseos incontrolables, encuentros ocultos y emociones intensas. 🔥
Si esta carta aparece, no ignores tus instintos… pero tampoco te dejes llevar ciegamente.

📦 Todas las penas: La caja de Pandora

La famosa caja de Pandora simboliza penas de todas clases, pero también la persistente chispa de la esperanza. Aunque todo parezca perdido, siempre queda algo bueno por rescatar. 🌩️➡️🌈

🕵️‍♂️ Secretos revelados: Mercurio

Mercurio, el mensajero de los dioses, representa noticias importantes, revelaciones, secretos que salen a la luz. ¿Estás lista para enterarte de lo que no sabías? 📬

🏆 El premio mayor: El vellocino de oro

Una de las cartas más deseadas: la conquista del vellocino de oro. Aquí hablamos de éxito rotundo, logros épicos y recompensas merecidas. ¡Vas por buen camino! ✨

🦁 Napoleón y la carta del León: poder, orgullo y redención

En honor a Napoleón Bonaparte, nacido bajo el signo de Leo ♌, se diseñó una carta muy especial:

Hércules estrangulando al León de Nemea.

Pero no termina ahí. En la misma carta también aparecen dos escenas:

• 👑 Napoleón coronando a Josefina
• 🎖️ Y condecorando a uno de sus mariscales

Todo esto simboliza lo siguiente:

Por muy mal que estén las cosas en este momento, te rehabilitarás ante el crédito ajeno.
Una carta que promete rescate de tu reputación, incluso en los peores momentos. ✨

🌈 Inclusividad inesperada: el cometa parado en tierra

Una carta en este tarot muestra un cometa detenido en tierra, y su significado es claro: homosexualidad.
Sorprendente para su época, este tarot demuestra una visión inclusiva y simbólica de la diversidad. 🏳️‍🌈

🕰️ Predicciones cumplidas: la derrota en Waterloo

Napoleón creía en las cartas, y según cuentan, le advirtieron que un retraso sería fatal.

Por eso, decidió comenzar la batalla de Waterloo una hora antes de lo planeado, pero aún así, una demora lo llevó a la derrota.
📉 El destino ya estaba escrito… y las cartas lo sabían.

📏 Las cartas originales: pequeñas, precisas y mágicas

Las barajas originales del tarot francés medían solo 8 centímetros, eran prácticas y fáciles de manejar.

Cada carta incluía:

• 🔭 Un plano astral
• 🔤 Una letra
• 🖼️ Tres grabados

Eran conocidas por dar noticias exactas.
Después se creó una versión más pequeña: el famoso Lenormant, que María Luisa Honey manejaba admirablemente. 🔮

🎴 ¿Cómo se consulta el tarot?

Cuando alguien quiere hacer una pregunta concreta, hay un método especial para obtener respuestas claras:

✋ El ritual de barajar

• Se barajan las cartas siete veces.
  El 7 es un número cabalístico:
  • 7 días de la semana
  • 7 colores del arcoíris
  • 7 palabras dijo Cristo en la cruz
  • En 7 días Dios creó el mundo 🌈🙏
• Luego, se extraen tres cartas clave:
  • La número 9 → la indestructible (el 9 aparece en todas las multiplicaciones)
  • La número 13 → la fatalidad
  • La número 21 → la recompensa

🙌 ¿Con qué mano partir?

• Con la mano izquierda si deseas que intervengan los afectos 💓
• Con la mano derecha para preguntas comerciales 💼

✂️ Cómo partir la baraja

• Muchas personas la parten diciendo: “Por mí, por mi casa, por mi porvenir.”
• Otras dicen: “Por las tres fuerzas: el espíritu, la materia y lo que se ignora.”

🎭 Porque la mente juega un papel importante: si crees en el tarot, se convierte en un espejo profundo del inconsciente.

🃏 ¿Y la baraja española?

Aunque es la más popular, también existe la creencia de que, como se ha usado mucho para jugar, a veces “no dice la verdad”.
Pero eso ya es tema para otra lectura… 🧐

✨ El tarot como espejo de la humanidad

Desde héroes griegos hasta emperadores históricos, pasando por hechiceras, cometas y cajas malditas… el tarot francés retrata la complejidad humana con arte y misticismo.

Cada carta cuenta una historia. Y según María Luisa Honey, el tarot no es solo para adivinar el futuro, sino para leer el alma. 🌌

🗨️ ¿Te gustó esta segunda parte de la historia del tarot?

Guarda este post, compártelo con tus amig@s brujit@s y dime en los comentarios:

#Brujxs #CartasDelTarot #Esoterismo #HistoriaDelTarot #Lenormand #LGBTQ_ #Mitologia #Napoleon #Simbolismo #Tarot #TarotFrances

Five fave lesbian/sapphic love songs of alt/indie rock

Obviously, we all have individual tastes in music. As a male listening to this genre, these five lesbian/sapphic love songs share common threads with all other great love songs — they contain a heartfelt emotional vibe, feature well-written and evocative lyrics, and include great instrumentals that help draw the listener into the soul of the tune.

Of these five fave songs, three are by Canadian artists, one is by an Irish band, and one is by an American group. Peace & love!

_______

“Holy Show” by Pillow Queens (Ireland) –

“I’ll roll you up and crack you open
We look like a couple of teens
Just hanging back and holy ghosting
Apologise and leave” – Pillow Queens

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvHd0vId3uo

“How To Breathe” by Momma (United States) –

“What a tender place to be
In her arms, I flirt with Heaven
Angels bring her down to me

She taught my body how to breathe
She taught my body how to breathe” – Momma

https://youtu.be/JT17GDAC_-w?si=PcqINQsmrND0E31Y

“Constant Craving” by k.d. lang (Canada) –

“Maybe a great magnet pulls All souls to what’s true” – k.d. lang

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ4ANwlDb58

“Edge of the Earth” by The Beaches (Canada) –

“She’s a fire sign
And I don’t really know what that means
I’m a cold night
And I wanna be close to the heat
I don’t want to get burned
I don’t want love like that
But I can’t go any further ’til I start coming back” – The Beaches

https://youtu.be/FTsHU7RxuGQ?si=s8yCA-8ea0YmiaIk

“Closer” by Tegan & Sara (Canada) –

“All you think of lately is getting underneath me
All I dream of lately is how to get you underneath me” – Tegan & Sara

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJCFnqrYfcU

#altRock #Canada #gays #Ireland #kdLang #lesbians #LGBTQ_ #love #loveSongs #lyrics #Momma #music #PillowQueens #sapphic #songs #TeganSara #TheBeaches #tracks #tunes #women #writing

😱 El día que Dawson’s Creek habló de empatía y homofobia… ¡en los 90s!

📺 Temporada 2, episodio 15: mucho más que drama adolescente

Estaba echándome un maratón de Dawson’s Creek (porque sí, soy esa morra nostálgica) y llegué al capítulo 15 de la segunda temporada, y OMG… no esperaba terminar llorando con el corazón apachurrado 😭.

Este episodio no solo trata sobre el drama adolescente clásico. Va más allá: habla de identidad, homofobia y empatía. Y todo eso… ¡en una serie de los 90s!

🏳️‍🌈 Jack aún no sale del clóset… pero ya lo están juzgando

Al inicio del episodio, Jack aún no decía abiertamente que es gay, pero ya se notaba la tensión. Todo se acelera cuando Jen, que está saliendo con un tipo llamado Tyson, se enfrenta a una situación súper incómoda..

🙄 El «open mind» más falso del mundo

Tyson es de esos que se dicen «mente abierta», pero sólo de dientes para afuera. Dice que es religioso pero bien selectivo con lo que cree. Y claro, se le va encima a Jack diciendo que «eligió ser gay» (insertar ojo en blanco aquí 👀).

Jen se enoja —y con justa razón—. Le dice que la sexualidad no se elige, y que lo que está haciendo es juzgar desde su ignorancia. El ambiente se pone tenso… hasta que llega la señora que menos esperábamos.

👵 La abuela de Jen y su inesperada sabiduría

Estaban todos en casa de la abuela de Jen, que es súper religiosa, y Jen ya se imaginaba que iba a ponerse del lado de Tyson.

Pero nop 😌.

La señora se avienta una frase que, honestamente, se siente adelantada a su época:

“Sólo Dios puede juzgar a Jack. Como a todos nosotros. Lo que tenemos que hacer es tener empatía.”

🎯 Directo al corazón. En una serie de los 90s. En voz de una señora religiosa. Qué joya.

💔 Y lo más fuerte: Jack sale del clóset con su papá

Como si todo eso no fuera suficiente, minutos después del episodio, Jack le confiesa a su papá que es gay. La escena es súper emotiva. Se le rompe la voz, se le quiebra el alma… y a una también 😭. No es una salida del clóset ideal, pero es real, vulnerable, y valiente.

💬 Reflexión final: esto sigue siendo tan actual

Este episodio de Dawson’s Creek salió hace más de 20 años, y sin embargo, el mensaje sigue siendo urgente y relevante.

A veces las series del pasado tenían más coraje para decir verdades incómodas que muchas actuales. Y esta en particular nos dejó un recordatorio que vale oro:

✨ La empatía nunca pasa de moda. ✨

🧠 ¿Tú viste este capítulo?

Si también te pegó directo en el pecho como a mí, déjamelo en los comentarios 🥹
¿Crees que hoy las series tratan estos temas con la misma sinceridad? ¿O ya no se arriesgan igual?

#DawsonsCreek #JackMcPhee #LGBTQ_ #PopCultureMx #SeriesNoventeras #TVDeAntes #TVLGBTQ

SIR’s CLAW 25 Travelogue: 16 April 2025

SMF 》LAS

There used to be a time when traveling by air was a chore, something akin to getting a teeth cleaning or sitting through a gender reveal party. A day of balled fists, jaw clenched, and B-grade, expensive food, travel was never an adventure & I’d wonder how those handsome businessmen with their phones and suitcases could do it all the time. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate the journey; even the preparation. Packing is now a ritual, a rite to begin something new, an escape from the day-to-day be it a weekend with my Daddy or a week-long excursion in Cleveland.

The ride to the first airport was smooth. Check-in & passing through the checkpoint were smooth as well. Grabbing coffee & chow for my Pup were smooth. There’s something to be said about scheduling & planning things in advance. Once we got to our first gate, I excused myself to don my Leather (vest, boots, belt, wristbands), feeling once more myself. I confidently marched my way through the airport even though it was 5:30AM.

LAS 》CLE

With a nearly three-hour layover, I decided to break out the laptop & do some work for BLUFSF. Namely setting posts up summarizing the April edition & announcing next month’s. Easy work but a great distraction from the airport hustle & bustle. Post were drafted, edited & scheduled to go live while we’re in the air.

Met a couple of fellow Leatherfolx to form a little Leather Contingent before boarding the flight. It’s nice to run into fellows. Next stop: Cleveland, OH.

CLEVELAND

We’re no longer in Kansas, Toto.

Last year, Cleveland had a friendlier vibe. This time around, things appear to have soured as we experienced no less than four unfriendly Lyft drivers. Each apparently having their own respective bad days.

The hotel is 20 minutes away from the conference center which is also 20 minutes way from the Leather Stallion. Every location is an island so folx will be forced to shuttle, rideshare, or rent a car. We’ve spent perhaps $125 on rideshares alone and CLAW hasn’t officially started. Ultimately, we decided we’d rent a car seeing as how the I-X is next to the airport.

Dinner was an exercise in acceptance and resignation. “The Bistro,” as it’s billed, is located in our hotel and provides casual American cuisine. It’s basic, it’ll do. At least it would’ve done had it been decent. The Pup and I spent $45 for lukewarm sandwiches (burger/chicken) and mediocre fries. The sandwiches were supposed to come with lettuce and tomato; however, that was just a little too crazy. So, what we got were bare proteins on greasy brioche buns. Not even a smattering of the promised garlic aioli. The Pup cleaned his plate while I left a hefty portion for Mr. Manners.

Now comes the part that might make folx uncomfortable but I experienced a couple of things that capped off a pretty disappointing day.

First, the Dickoff Party at the Leather Stallion. The ride from the hotel was too long, long enough to kill any energy left from the day. Upon arrival, it was clear the Pup and I were two cherries in an apple pie. Addtionally, I had no lighter for cigars and the Stallion didn’t carry matches or any ability to make fire at-will so we stood around. After a bit, I leaned over and whispered to the Pup, “I’m not feeling this.” He agreed and we left in the fourth Lyft of the day. At this point, it was around 8PM PST and we’d been up for nearly 15 hours. Rather than shoulder the weight of being one of the very few POCs in the party, it was time to call it and return to base. Surely, this would be capstone for a day of disappointment, right?

As it’s said, “But wait, there’s more!”

Growing up Indigenous, it’s nothing new to experience racism, veiled or overt. From being followed in off-reservation music stores by staff to hearing emphatic, “These fucking Indians should go back to the rez and stay there!”, being Other and set apart are par for the course. It’s as usual as breathing or watching the sunset; I’ve learned to recognize racism when it occurs.

So, my Pup and I were browsing a meager, overpriced “market” at the hotel at ~1:30 a.m. (Folx who know me know I’m almost always hungry, ready to encounter a surprise turkey dinner with all the fixins at any moment.) when the hotel worker walked in, looked at us, and asked, “What are YOU doing here?” No salutation, no professional friendly demeanor, just a question infused with hard intent.

You see, my Pup is Latinx, I’m Indigenous so we’re are completely POC and we know division when we sense it. This was division, as if we’d wandered out from the backwoods across the way looking for free food. True, we weren’t dressed for a white tie fish fry, it being one-fucking-thirty in the morning, but we’re were dressed. We’d seen non-POC buy from the market with no issues and that was only few minutes before we “invaded” the place.

We answered the man’s question, “We’re browsing…for food.”

“Oh…well, you can order food from the Denny’s down the street.”

Us: “…but we’re here now and hungry.”

“Here, I’ll give you a paper so you can order.”

Us: “…okay…”

We took the paper and returned to the room. Me giving a resounding, “What the fuck was that about?”, as the elevator doors closed. The Pup was silent and I had entered Hangry SIR territory.

Getting to the room, the discordant day finally hit me: The 3:30AM wake time, the air travel, the unfriendly Lyfters, the horrible dinner, and the Stallion party. This encounter topped the dirt cake and I’d had it.

The Pup looked on as I unloaded my frustration before I declared, “Fuck this. He can’t treat us like that. I’m going back down to say something because this has been one of the worst days so far.”

We headed back downstairs and approached the front desk. He stood there with a false courteous smile, “How can I help you?”

Me: “Are we allowed to shop here? Because you made it seem like we were not allowed to be in the market. I just need some clarification.”

He appeared taken aback yet unfazed responding with, “Oh, I’m sorry you got that impression because I didn’t mean that.”

Ahh, yes, the celebrity apology. Always a hit.

The Pup asked, “Is this place open 24/7?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, we’re going to buy something then.”

“Okay, sure.”

The selection was meager, an overprocessed food selection. I grabbed a ginger ale, chips, and beef jerky. The Pup paid in cash which sent the hotel guy into a huff. He owed us $0.02 in change and we watched him in an even huffier huff find two pennies. Sliding them over the counter, the Pup accepted them. He thanked us, I didn’t responded and we padded back to the room so I could devour the snackage.

To the privileged reader, there may appear to have to been nothing wrong with the exchange. However, for anyone who has experienced a lifetime of discrimination, the reality is quite different. That’s the benefit of privilege, you get smoother rides and aren’t hassled by hotel workers just for standing in a market. You can visit places without experiencing sideeye or outright disdain because you simply look different.

I experienced this growing up, I get it even now. I’ve felt it while I’ve been in Leather. It’s human nature to discriminate. So, how do handle this? Well, I enact a few lines of code from SirWolf.exe:

• Walk with intent & quiet confidence: I know where I’ve been and I know where I’m going. Stay out of my fucking way. I won’t hurt you but I will sternly tell you to step off.
• Treat the environment like a Leather bar: I’m here to take up my own fucking space. If you want to get my attention, get it. I don’t cruise, I don’t flirt, I here to learn, smoke, play, and maybe fuck but that doesn’t mean I want to do any of these things with you.
• I’m comfortable being alone: While the Pup is doing his Puply duties, I’m on my own and I’m okay with that. At events like CLAW, I’ve learned how to be alone and not feel lonely. I don’t need company, sometimes I don’t want it. It depends on the moment I’m in. In this life, I’ve adapted to being a part from and am comfortable solo.
• I welcome the brave ones: There are few folx who approach me even though the “Fuck Off” vibes are high. These folx I tend to welcome in conversation; interestingly, these folx often have actual things to talk about that are mostly worthwhile. I also commend the young man who is brave or foolhardy enough to approach SIR even after I’ve made it clear I’m not biting. A good boy might be rewarded. Maybe.

#CLAW #CLAW25 #CLAWChronicles #Cleveland #IAmSirAaronWolf #LeatherCommunity #LeatherEvents #LeatherPhotography #Leatherman #LGBTQ_ #MyJourney #Photography #SirAaronWolf #SirWolf #SirSStatus #TravelingLeatherman #Travels

The Lady’s Companion, period comedy from Spain

https://oldaintdead.com/the-ladys-companion-period-comedy-from-spain/