Ron

Sasha Distan created in the member Q & A thread this topic: https://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37643-the-last-taboo/ The topic has been given much attention and many varied opinions abound within the thread. During the discussion of this topic, the subject of how we might like to be perceived was touched upon. Are we as gay men and women, in order to normalize ourselves to the greater world, supposed to censor ourselves? This is my question, but it has been posited that if we present ourselves in a less that positive way, that we have only ourselves to blame if we are mistreated. That we have, in fact, given the opposition ammunition of a sorts to use against us. This thought has some merit to it, I believe. I also believe that it can lead to the slippery slope of censorship. My question is... Should we self-censor our writing, by avoiding topics that may be perceived in a negative light, in order to present a more normalized impression to the world? no actual edit this morning, lazy finger on iPad

I also thought that Brink made many good points. This particular point though is one that I want to applaud but it is also one that I find disturbing. It seems a valid point of view and one I agree with on the surface but to follow it further we then touch on censorship. Do we then stifle a creative voice in order to promote some version of normalcy for the world at large; give them something sweet that they can swallow down more easily or perhaps something cozy to snuggle up with. Then they will shout to the heavens... "Why, they are just like us!" It is not going to happen. So whether it be a self imposed censorship or administratively done, such as for this site, is beside the point. It will be censorship nonetheless and not likely to spare us any hate if in fact we do it either way. Sasha's story, 'Home Grown' may not have been everyone's cup of tea but it was a good, a solid, and creative work, and it should stand on it's own merits. I think that it does and if the incest is hard to swallow, then move along... this is not the story you want.

James Carter is one of my favorite sax players. Below is a link to the James Carter Quintet playing at a 2009 peace festival http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS0DZ-Gvvms&list=PLD7B3E28E1C1B7F3F Zombie, may I ask what gear you listen to your music on?

Ignore the wolf, don't drink - you're underage. Beside's it will mess with your mind. Welcome to GA, Dovesfield. We are happy to have you here and l look forward to seeing your prose.

Thank you for writing this, James. It isn't every story that grips me hard enough that I have to walk off the effects of it after finishing. Well done!

Thanks, Myi. I wanted the narrator to be removed from the story and more like a commentator. Thank you for reviewing.

Thank you for the compliment. This was emotionally hard to write and my first story with a hard edge to it. Thank your for your review, comicfan.

I felt amazingly inspired by prompt 270, so here it is, http://www.gayauthors.org/story/ron/apromptresponse/1

Prompt 270 - First Line: “Because, I’m leaving you.” “Because, I’m leaving you.” Aaron can’t get those words out of his head and the sadness behind them, the tremble in Ben’s voice, the exact timbre and the long pause after that first word all echo inside his mind and will not leave him. Images of Ben standing at the door, the look on his face agreeing with his voice, eyes red rimmed and wet, the unshaven face that was so unlike him and the bags on the floor, popping through his mind as bac

My 2013 Prompt Responses. All stories rated mature even if perhaps not necessarily needful of the rating.

James' direction was where my mind went with that as well. He went to such great length to get that story out.

You have to figure that some of the negativity (obviously not all) in the replies comes from self hatred. Like ex-smokers (don't hate, I'm one of them) who have recently quit, they are among the most virulent in their dislike of smokers. Part of this behavior is because they get their sense of smell back but mostly because it reaffirms the belief that they made the right choice. Luckily, this mellows over time. At least it did for me. Those whom are gay and don't want to be, often protest the most and can be violent in their responses to homosexuality. All in the game of trying to constantly reinforce that they cannot be gay. If I'm beating them up then I can't be gay - If I hate them, I can't be gay, etc, etc. A toned down version is the verbal beat-down and could be the reason for some (again, not all) of the nasty comments. Just a thought.

This is supposed to be the YouTube link for part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2BOoAGL_Nw&feature=youtu.be

Knowing that this was the last chapter, I tried to hold back and save it, yeah. But I couldn't hold out for too long. And of course, I can't keep my mouth shut and just be happy to read it can I? Well... this is bitter sweet isn't it. The end. You had me from the get go. The first paragraph was so interesting and it rolled on from there. The school picture scene was particularly touching as it was when Marcus doesn't come home. The last three sentences say it all and for all three. Very nice. I especially like the ending. The part where you talk directly to us, you softy, you. YOU are equally appreciated. Thanks!

I want a green one. It will coordinate with the background of my avatar! I am so gay!

I highly endorse this chapter! This is why I enjoy this story line so well, Andrew. Great writing and story telling. There is much love in it and it comes across so sweetly. The energy and drive of it comes through in such a balanced manner and the blending of compassion and anger makes this soar. I have my own suspicion of who did the dirty deed, like every other reader, which I will keep to myself. Should I be right, I wouldn't want to spoil it for anyone.

Clearly Mr. Fry is not a professional interviewer. This first episode would have been more effective were he, or had he, taken along a neutral, experienced interviewer and Mr. Fry had reserved his thoughts for comments or the odd interjection. As it is, the episode is a bit jokey even when it needs to be serious with the people that affect the lives and well being of many. In fact these people in power may be the cause of the murder of countless innocent people. Relying on emotion alone does not make this show effective. It tugs at the heart to be sure but it is not necessarily more informative than anything else one can get through various news venues. The odd thing I find about this was the 'star' interviews. Elton John and his husband offered almost nothing beyond personal anecdotes. Neil Patrick Harris was maybe slightly more informative but only as to issue of gays playing straight roles. He was quite balanced in his remarks but both 'stars' live in a rarefied position. And let's not forget that each of these famous people had a following before they came out. They are far removed from your average non-hetero individual. Quite frankly, I almost turned it off before the show moved to the US segment. What is the reason for this show? Or, at least this first episode? I ask myself this as I watched and I really couldn't come up with an answer that satisfied me. edit: by innocent, I include those who actually are non-hetero because there is nothing wrong with them and those that are falsely accused, guilty by association or for political convenience.

It is very easy to be negative when you have options. Without them, whether it's a real lack or an imagined one, it is very difficult to be optimistic or move forward. Sandy, no one needs to tell you what to do with this man that you're in love with because I think that logically you know what you should be doing. There is no doubt that it can be extremely difficult when the head has to over-rule the heart. Unfortunately this is one of those necessary times. I wish you well.

My choice of cocktail is a Sezerac. This is how I make them: US measurements 2 oz rye whiskey - I use Rye 1 because I cannot find Sezerac rye in Boston 3 dashes Peychaud's bitters 2 dashes Regan's orange bitters 1 tsp simple syrup - I use equivalent sugar substitute 1 tsp absinthe Mix the rye whiskey, bitters and sugar or sugar substitute in a glass. Add ice cubes, stir 30 seconds and remove ice cubes. Add absinthe and twist of lemon, swirl and discard lemon twist. Drink Gin and tonic in the summer. Occasional gin martini (double olives) in the winter. Red wine for dinner anytime.

There are problems even in the most gay friendly areas of cities. I live in the South End area of Boston which is perhaps one of the most gay friendly areas of a city that is pretty tolerant as a whole. Yet we have gay folks walking home from the bars or just leaving a friends house getting attacked every so often. It has been because of nothing more outward than holding hands. Suddenly a car pulls over and people get out and beat the couple up, sometimes causing very bad injuries, and calling them all kinds of awful names as they beat them. This has happened and it was perpetrated by people who came into the city for a little fun and they were on their way home when they saw the couple. That was the reason, they thought it would be fun! Some have been followed after a nut job saw them come out of a neighborhood gay bar and have been sucker punched in the head or hit with a brick or pipe that happened to be lying on the sidewalk. The victims have reported that they were told why the person assaulted them by the assailants themselves so that's how we know the reason why. It's shitty, it doesn't happen all of the time but when it does, it scares the crap of you when you think, that could have been me. Living in a known gay friendly area can be it's own problem. People looking to hate, know where to go if they feel like doing some damage. There is no rhyme or reason to the victims.

I would like to think that I look better than a true zombie, if only a little. There is also the issue of the lack of zombie chatter other than the odd grunt or moan. Which I am not entirely sure wouldn't be better for us on certain days in our interactions with other people. Then we have the whole zombies always bumping into each other thing. If it weren't for their attacks upon the unwary or slow people they wouldn't have any other source but the bumping and the moaning for interaction. I much prefer the human touch and in the end I think we are quite lucky, aside from the drudgery of course.

There is a lot of confrontation in this chapter and not a whole lot of resolution to offset it. I hope that's on offer in the next chapter and a quick wrap up with this story-line is on offer soon to connect it back with the main story. I'm real glad to see that you have Cal pushing back a little at Cody after he tells Cal that he's falling in love. That is a peeve of mine, people falling in love at first sight that is. It's not a very realistic thing to have happen. So, good job with that.

Thanks for the note. It's perfectly understandable, I'm happy to wait too. Cheers.

Even if this is not your usual story telling style, it is a lovely tale. Although, we have haven't heard the end of the story really, only the beginning. It could all end horribly after all but I don't think that would make anyone happy. Including you. Cheers, well done!

Now this just made me both sad and happy in turn. I feel sorry for Jacob and the meaningless sexual engagements, one after another till he meets up with a situation that gives him a bit of a shock. He really doesn't have an easy time of it letting himself be loved, does he. I like a feel good chapter as much as anyone else, as long as it isn't too feel good. There is enough angst, uncertainty and humorous moments to keep this and them from falling into the latter direction. Still, it is a testament to your writing of these amazingly difficult and complex characters that I may or may not have dropped a couple of tears in happiness for them. Cheers!