“Our weakest moments in life often come when faced with adversity. The ability to cope with difficult situations can define who we are and how we go forward in life’s journey.” Jose Esparza, an emerging author full of promise, exemplifies—no actually, embodies—these instructive and inspiring words. And this heartfelt and captivating scribe has an engaging, scintillating—and rather impressive—debut with Voyages: [...]
I have made it my ongoing--and fervent--mission to continue to shine a bright light on a certain demoralizing, insidious and horrific cycle of behavior that continues to be a growing concern within the LGBTQ Community. This is Part Four of an ongoing series that will address this potentially life-threatening cycle of abuse. Welcome back. This installment of The IPV/A Chronicles addresses a recent and disturbing phenomenon: after nearly [...]
“Self-Determination” Guest Writer: W.D. Foster-Graham In my first column, this Old School New Kid mentioned the learning curve as an independent author. When it comes to writing, some see it as a hobby, others their passion, still others a business, and a very few regard it as all of the above. I am one of those few individuals, and I give [...]
“Lessons in Love and Loss” Guest Writer: LaToya Hankins Greetings, veteran Hot Tea and Ice Sippers--and those new to the blend of wisdom I offer! It has been more than a minute since my words graced this space. A lot has happened to me: some good, some bad, and some I haven’t quite figured out—and how exactly to understand the lessons I [...]
“I'm an ‘Old School New Kid’--and I Own It.” Guest Writer: W.D. Foster-Graham Yes, that's what my teenage Millennial son would call me in this age of social media, iPhones and Internet branding. How did I, that 21-year-old version of myself, survive without the bells and whistles of 21st century technology? But hey, I'm a Baby Boomer and I own [...]
Ohhhhhhhhh myyyyy gawd! It’s THAT time of the year! Again. Ya see, you’re an LGBTQ brotha or sistah (or whatever the hell your race or ethnicity happens to be. LOL.) who’s really dreading THAT time of year. Soooooo, exactly what am I talkin’ ‘bout? The Holidays, doggonit! Why might you be in a major funk? Well, maybe you feel you can’t be your authentic self around family: you’re still closeted. Or, you might be alone, feeling isolated. All [...]
“Loving U Is Beautiful” Guest Writer: LaToya Hankins Greetings, Hot Tea and Ice Sippers! I send you all springtime wishes of non-allergy inducing days and seasonably warm nights. This is the time of the year we spring forward and make plans to shed our winter woes and embrace a new season of potential. One thing I encourage everyone to put away with the [...]
“Taking All the Time You Need” Guest Writer: LaToya Hankins Greetings Hot Tea and Ice Sippers, and Happy 2018! Trusting the New Year has treated you well and the novelty of snow days hasn’t worn off. It’s amazing how a weather occurrence that brought many of us so much joy when we attended elementary and middle school evokes so much misery now. [...]
Oh, “Gawd!” You’re an LGBTQ guy or gal simply dreading THAT time of year—the holidays! Why might you be in a major funk? Well, maybe you feel you can’t be your authentic self around family: you’re still closeted. Or, you might be alone, feeling isolated. All of this can throw you into a nasty tailspin. And where do you crash land? Into one “helluva” depression! Research bears out that the rates of depression [...]
“Appreciate, Don’t Hate” Guest Writer: LaToya Hankins Greetings Hot Tea and Ice Sippers! I trust you are well. The temperatures are dropping, clothing is getting thicker, and we are getting into that holiday frame of mind. Even if you do not subscribe to a particular faith, the remainder of 2017 should offer you at least one day to spend time with loved ones, [...]
Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPV/A) is a serious, potentially life-threatening—but preventable--public health problem that impacts millions of Americans. Specifically, IPV/A describes the physical, sexual, emotional and/or psychological harm perpetrated by a current or former partner or spouse who is LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning). This type of violence also can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples, and does not require sexual intimacy. [...]
“Roll With Being A Role Model!” Guest Writer: LaToya Hankins Greetings, Hot Tea and Ice Sippers! Trusting you are well and staying cool this summer. I’m currently giving thanks every day for air conditioning, cool beverages, and lightweight clothing. Although I’m a Southerner by birth, this heat is something else! Despite the high temperatures, I spent this past Fourth of July [...]
