Aiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Not another queer blog?! Noooooooooooooooooo! Oh the humanity!”
I know, I know, that must have been your first reaction upon stumbling upon this, yet another gay man’s blog. It seems like every Queen and his gay “mother” has a blog, don’t it? I swear If a gay man can conjugate verbs and throw shade at any celebrity that draws his ire please believe “gurlfriend” is gonna have ”her” own blog. *Snap!* So, I am just the latest in a long line of “Kids” that has decided to partake in the phenomenon of self expression known as “blogging.” And chile WE always got something to say!
My blog will be from a personal perspective. I’m all about the self love and introspection (as it will be a reoccurring theme in alot of my writings). I want to help people deal with everyday life and circumstances in a positive way (while using my own brand of humor along this well beaten path, heh).
When I originally concocted this blog concept it was, I felt, out of necessity. I wanted to be another voice for gays and lesbians of the African American persuasion. As a gay black man I have ALWAYS felt invisible, even before I applied the definition to myself. In the black community we are categorized as “abominable” and “sinful” simply because our very existence goes against the bigoted dogma (oh yeah I went there!) of the fundamentalist Baptist church. But, in the “gay community” we take center stage as Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible Men.” The gay community, from my experience, is more relatable to white gays and lesbians. There is nothing to aid in dealing with the unique idiosyncrasies that plague African American gays and lesbians (racism, sexism, AND homophobia. The triple grand slam of hatred and bigotry).
So, initially, the goal was to reach–specifically–a microcosym of people like myself. But, as I thought this out, I realized that this should be inclusive of all people, black gays in particular…Yes as the author, a black gay man, you will be made privy to my concerns dealing with homophobia, the black church, and other issues (like AIDS). But, as I scribed my essays, I found myself feeling compelled to reach out and help people who might be hurting. Some of my stuff is going to be really personal. So, If what I’ve written helps and inspires someone feeling lost, lonely, and conflicted then that will be the cherry in a Pina Colada drink! It will mean so much to me if I can help even ONE person.
Admittedly, like every other little Queen with “her” own blog I am going to write about obligatory celeb gossip (occasionally), music, movies, and current events in the world. Those are things that I enjoy discussing. And in this blog you’ll be getting to know me, ergo, I’m gonna talk about entertainment (You know what they say…The Entertainment and style section is a gay man’s sports page luv). There will also be topics about sex, racism, homophobia, and the gamut of other stuff. I won’t get overly political (because I’m not a political type cat, even though I pay attention and vote). Nor will I be some militant, rainbow flag waving, gay activist (even though I have strong views on many things). I’m just gonna be me and hopefully that will be relateable to some.
I’ve always wanted to start a blog. But I’ve been afraid to do so for far too long. When I was younger I had absolutely nothing to say (I felt) worth anything. Now, in my twenty some odd years of life, I feel as though I finally have a voice. Now, I want to raise it. I just want this blog to be a safe place where people can come and feel lifted. I want you to walk away from here reenergized, like you can take on the world or something…heh. Now, I am not a licensed therapist or self help guru. I am just some kid who wants to use his writing ability to make someone else’s day a lil bit brighter…*smile* Just think of me as your little black gay male Oprah Winfrey…Aw hell screw that. I’m Toddy English, and I’m gonna do me up in this joint!
Now, don’t get it twisted, I am not laboring under any delusions that I’m reinventing the wheel here. Everything that I am going to discuss has already been discussed before (I think that is like one of the laws of physics or something)! If I made up a topic about “Lesbian lovers that raise Gerbils in Zimbabwe” I am CERTAIN that there is already a blog dedicated to it, with a devoted following of supporters…Hell, look it up! I BET you a dollar there’s one with a loyal list of followers!
Lastly, I am not doing this blog for any sort of fame or adoration. I just want people to feel inspired, entertained, and little bit better when they click out of a window. That is why I entitled it, “To My Friends, With Love…Sincerely, Toddy English.” Since you are supporting my endeavor, just by reading it, means you care. Therefore, I call you friend. :0)
I was going to call this blog “Confessions of a Cheeky Little Bastard” but decided against it…See, my parents were actually married when they birthed me. However, I thought it was really clever so I just HAD to use it in some capacity.
*MUAH!*
Love ya my lovelies!
Sincerely,
Toddy English.
