I feel like I am really on the reading train at the moment which makes me so happy because it is the first time in a while where I have just been able to read what I want because I have now completely finished secondary school. I am taking advantage of reading for pleasure this summer and I wanted to share some books that I have read that I have loved and maybe will take your fancy.
Guapa by Saleem Haddad, is possibly one of my favourite books I have ever read, the narrative is almost like velvet, incredibly sensuous and smooth. The story is one that is not discussed enough, two men in the Middle East who are in love. Their story is told with such eloquence and attention to detail it makes you feel a part of them which in turn made it such an emotional read because I really feel I connected with the characters. I won't tell you any spoilers, all I can say is go out and read it, you will not regret it.
All we shall know- Donal Ryan, is another beautifully written novel. Before reading it I had a vague idea of what it was about as I was recommended it by Ariel Bissett and Estée Lalonde from their collab. However Ariel was not lying this book is incredible, it is so honest and it really delved into topics that still in society are looked down upon. I am fascinated with Ireland so reading this was incredibly interesting for me to understand the attitudes to the traveller communities. This also explores the idea of fertility in a raw and enthralling way. Its a must read for this year and I recommend you go have a flick.
Wildflower by Drew Barrymore, now Drew has been someone that I have looked up to throughout the different hurdles of my life, from seeing her in ET when I was tiny to watching Never been kissed in my awkward pre teen phase to watching Blended at a time when I was coming to terms with my own family blending with another. To understanding the true importance of friendship when watching Miss you already with my best friend, basically I am in awe with this woman and I owe her a lot. Reading this book genuinely fed my soul, it taught me lessons I never knew I needed but now I know, I most definitely do. It is an honest and beautiful selection of moments throughout Drew's life which are written in such a stylistic yet colloquial way that makes it feel like you are just having a conversation with her. I don't want to bore you and babble on too much but I sincerely recommend you reading this book, whether you follow her work or not.
Spectacles by Sue Perkins, I am currently half way through this however I can still tell you and give you the feel of this brilliant memoir. I picked up this book after it being on my shelf for a while just down to me having to read my curriculum books, after listening to her Desert Island disc, which is fab by the way you should listen to it if you're obsessed with Desert Island Discs like myself, it's a good'un. Anyway the book is incredibly funny and I also find it fascinating how people found there niche and made it into their career. As a lover of Mel and Sue especially on The Great British Bake Off, reading this is giving me great comfort as GBBO as we knew it is no more. On a lighter note, this book has made me laugh out loud a number of times (in public!) and I'm only half way through, so if you want a giggle I highly recommend reading this.
lots of love
George x
Saturday, 29 July 2017
Sunday, 25 June 2017
Coming Out Poem
As it is Pride month I wanted to share this poem with you that I wrote, Coming out is one of the hardest obstacles an LGBTQIA person has to go through. If you are questioning who you are or you are in the process of beginning to come out, I am here. The community is here for you. We love you and you are cherished. Have a little read of this and hopefully you won't feel alone anymore.
Coming out is like losing a tooth,
it takes time.
The wobbly phases symbolise,
when you're trying to come to terms with who you are.
It can hurt a little or it can be painless.
There can sometimes be blood,
hopefully just metaphorically.
Then its out,
You've got a gap in your teeth.
Some people notice, some don't.
Then a new tooth grows,
big, pearly and white.
You grow stronger and happier,
shining bright.
The gap is filled,
you feel whole and complete.
With the world at your feet,
Don't forget to smile.
Coming out is like losing a tooth,
it takes time.
The wobbly phases symbolise,
when you're trying to come to terms with who you are.
It can hurt a little or it can be painless.
There can sometimes be blood,
hopefully just metaphorically.
Then its out,
You've got a gap in your teeth.
Some people notice, some don't.
Then a new tooth grows,
big, pearly and white.
You grow stronger and happier,
shining bright.
The gap is filled,
you feel whole and complete.
With the world at your feet,
Don't forget to smile.
Lots of love,
George xx
Sunday, 21 May 2017
The majority of my role models are women
I have always been surrounded by powerful and successful women in my life and I think that has heavily influenced my life for the better. There has always been the idea that gay men and women have a bond and understand each other, I do understand this as we are both attracted to men however it really fascinates me as to how women and gay men interact with each other. It has only been a recent occurrence in my life where I have male friends, from a young age I have always levitated towards women and till this day I have many female role models. This is something which could be discussed forever and researched heavily both socially and scientifically but I just wanted to touch the surface of my thoughts.
On RuPaul's Drag Race, Lady Gaga said that without gay men she would not be the woman she is today and that really resonated with me because without women I don't think I would be the man I am today. I understand that my way of writing seems to be outcasting people who don't associate with either gender or are more fluid however in a way I think it does because doesn't what Lady Gaga said show that we are all actually similar?
Sometimes I feel isolated from other men, not all men and not all the time but there are times where women confide in me and ask me why the boy they like is acting the way they are and I can't even answer the question and I'm a male myself. I myself don't understand how some men act and think, this frustrates me because I like to be in control and understand everything which is not ideal as there are many things in this world which are not in my control. Maybe I don't understand some men because of the laws of attraction and because you are attracted to someone therefore you cannot understand them fully? I am trying to link this to the title however I feel as if I'm going off on a tangent.
What I am trying to get with talking about not fully understanding men is that maybe I understand women more although I could never totally understand what a woman goes through as I am not female. Is the idea of being a gay man having a dose of femininity and masculinity? However I'm not sure if that completely makes sense because I know many men who identify as gay but who do not have stereotypical female qualities. My mind is in a total, excuse my french, head fuck right now although I feel good being able to really get my teeth into something and find different perspectives within my own mind.
The idea of having female role models could stem from the idea that gay men rather than straight men and women have both been oppressed throughout history? Maybe that is where that connection comes from? I do personally have such a strong relationship with all the women in my life so that could be fathomable? And does seem like a valid point as it is human nature for people to bond through shared experiences.
I truly admire women so much and they have had to fight for everything they've got very much like the gays before me or any other oppressed group of people. I cannot tell you how many women inspire me daily from my mother to Alice Walker to Cynthia Erivo to name a few. I genuinely could go on all day with women who have an impact in my life. However I won't because this would end up just being a list of names.
I do not really know what has actually come out of writing this post however I feel that is opened up some interesting points and its something I would like to write about and discuss more. So sorry if this is all over the place.
On RuPaul's Drag Race, Lady Gaga said that without gay men she would not be the woman she is today and that really resonated with me because without women I don't think I would be the man I am today. I understand that my way of writing seems to be outcasting people who don't associate with either gender or are more fluid however in a way I think it does because doesn't what Lady Gaga said show that we are all actually similar?
Sometimes I feel isolated from other men, not all men and not all the time but there are times where women confide in me and ask me why the boy they like is acting the way they are and I can't even answer the question and I'm a male myself. I myself don't understand how some men act and think, this frustrates me because I like to be in control and understand everything which is not ideal as there are many things in this world which are not in my control. Maybe I don't understand some men because of the laws of attraction and because you are attracted to someone therefore you cannot understand them fully? I am trying to link this to the title however I feel as if I'm going off on a tangent.
What I am trying to get with talking about not fully understanding men is that maybe I understand women more although I could never totally understand what a woman goes through as I am not female. Is the idea of being a gay man having a dose of femininity and masculinity? However I'm not sure if that completely makes sense because I know many men who identify as gay but who do not have stereotypical female qualities. My mind is in a total, excuse my french, head fuck right now although I feel good being able to really get my teeth into something and find different perspectives within my own mind.
The idea of having female role models could stem from the idea that gay men rather than straight men and women have both been oppressed throughout history? Maybe that is where that connection comes from? I do personally have such a strong relationship with all the women in my life so that could be fathomable? And does seem like a valid point as it is human nature for people to bond through shared experiences.
I truly admire women so much and they have had to fight for everything they've got very much like the gays before me or any other oppressed group of people. I cannot tell you how many women inspire me daily from my mother to Alice Walker to Cynthia Erivo to name a few. I genuinely could go on all day with women who have an impact in my life. However I won't because this would end up just being a list of names.
I do not really know what has actually come out of writing this post however I feel that is opened up some interesting points and its something I would like to write about and discuss more. So sorry if this is all over the place.
Lots of love
George x
Sunday, 12 March 2017
Homophobic rhetoric- what's your opinion?
I was listening to Pandora Sykes and Dolly Alderton's revamped podcast, The High Low and they were talking about this topic and it made me realise that this issue does still need to be discussed and the points they both made were so valid. It's now inspired me to interject a voice into this conversation.
The story that they were discussing was about a man who was suing his firm for allegations of homophobia from his colleagues. The allegations consisted of verbal abuse towards him and the company's response was that he instigated the use of language as he used it himself. This issue of reclaiming language that was previously used as a method of oppression is common among groups of people who have previously experienced oppression. However the argument stems from whether or not it should be acceptable for these slurs to be used.
I have had conversations with gay men who have found it difficult to come to terms with using the word 'queer' when it comes to talking about the community as for years it has been used to torment gay teens in the school corridors or an effeminate male walking along the street. As the word's original connotations come from being strange or odd. Although the word queer was first starting to be reclaimed by the gay community in the 1980s to change the meaning and evoke an overall outlook on the LGBT identity. However it wasn't till 2015 that 'Q' was added to the LGBT umbrella. The reason for this is because the term queer has been coined in regards to gender, it neglects society's previous rules and this liberates many genderqueer or nonconforming people by giving them a label. Labels are not for everyone but comfort is often found in being able to put a name to who you are.
There is evidence to show that the claim of queer from the LGBTQ community is in fact a positive act. However there is still controversy when using the word queer in the gay community because of it's long history of being a derogatory term. This could be seen to parallel with black people and the use of 'n*****'? Although there are people who argue that it's the perfect label as you don't have to put yourself in a box, a label for people who like labels maybe? As it's such a broad term. This debate is still ongoing and in regards to homophobic rhetoric, it is still used as a slur against gay people similarly to the racial slurs being used to discriminate against black people.
The word 'queer' is definitely a phrase which still comes to down your personal opinion if you use it. It depends whether you see the good that overshadows the evil in which it was previously used.
On the other side of the discussion is the use of words such as 'f*g' and 'f****t'. Words that still hold incredibly negative connotations however there are gay men who find using these words liberating although many gay men still find these words offensive. Again this is relevant to slurs used against other communities. It again comes down to opinion. I knew someone who was gay and their friend in a joking way would call them 'f****t' however he did not see the humorous side to this and I remember our conversation about this. He said at first he didn't think anything of it but then one day he felt it began to be too repetitive and reminded him of previous experiences. After our chat, he did tell her not to call him and out of respect she didn't which was a good scenario. However you can expect that people are not always that understanding.
When approaching this subject it is definitely down to personal opinion and what you feel comfortable saying. Acknowledging what is appropriate for you to say and understanding that some words should only be said by certain groups of people is so vital.
I genuinely think this is an interesting debate and should be continued to be discussed as it is such a meaty topic.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this issue.
The story that they were discussing was about a man who was suing his firm for allegations of homophobia from his colleagues. The allegations consisted of verbal abuse towards him and the company's response was that he instigated the use of language as he used it himself. This issue of reclaiming language that was previously used as a method of oppression is common among groups of people who have previously experienced oppression. However the argument stems from whether or not it should be acceptable for these slurs to be used.
I have had conversations with gay men who have found it difficult to come to terms with using the word 'queer' when it comes to talking about the community as for years it has been used to torment gay teens in the school corridors or an effeminate male walking along the street. As the word's original connotations come from being strange or odd. Although the word queer was first starting to be reclaimed by the gay community in the 1980s to change the meaning and evoke an overall outlook on the LGBT identity. However it wasn't till 2015 that 'Q' was added to the LGBT umbrella. The reason for this is because the term queer has been coined in regards to gender, it neglects society's previous rules and this liberates many genderqueer or nonconforming people by giving them a label. Labels are not for everyone but comfort is often found in being able to put a name to who you are.
There is evidence to show that the claim of queer from the LGBTQ community is in fact a positive act. However there is still controversy when using the word queer in the gay community because of it's long history of being a derogatory term. This could be seen to parallel with black people and the use of 'n*****'? Although there are people who argue that it's the perfect label as you don't have to put yourself in a box, a label for people who like labels maybe? As it's such a broad term. This debate is still ongoing and in regards to homophobic rhetoric, it is still used as a slur against gay people similarly to the racial slurs being used to discriminate against black people.
The word 'queer' is definitely a phrase which still comes to down your personal opinion if you use it. It depends whether you see the good that overshadows the evil in which it was previously used.
On the other side of the discussion is the use of words such as 'f*g' and 'f****t'. Words that still hold incredibly negative connotations however there are gay men who find using these words liberating although many gay men still find these words offensive. Again this is relevant to slurs used against other communities. It again comes down to opinion. I knew someone who was gay and their friend in a joking way would call them 'f****t' however he did not see the humorous side to this and I remember our conversation about this. He said at first he didn't think anything of it but then one day he felt it began to be too repetitive and reminded him of previous experiences. After our chat, he did tell her not to call him and out of respect she didn't which was a good scenario. However you can expect that people are not always that understanding.
When approaching this subject it is definitely down to personal opinion and what you feel comfortable saying. Acknowledging what is appropriate for you to say and understanding that some words should only be said by certain groups of people is so vital.
I genuinely think this is an interesting debate and should be continued to be discussed as it is such a meaty topic.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this issue.
Lots of love
George x
Monday, 6 March 2017
My New York City Outfits
I wanted to write a little bit about my time in New York City, if you haven't already I'd love it if you checked out my first vlog on YouTube documenting my trip.
I felt quite anxious on the way to New York as it is somewhere that I have idolised since I was very young and I was wary that I built it up to much maybe? However that was most certainly not the case, I completely fell in love and it was even more of a romantic affair than I imagined. It didn't feel alien at all, it felt right, I felt at home which I was so overjoyed about. I just want to go back now, it's almost like a drug, you have withdrawals when you leave. I desperately tried not to act like a tourist but that was incredibly unsuccessful. As you will be able to see in the video, I was very excitable.
I'm currently writing this in Pret, the mothership, obviously. Whilst people watching outside the window, daydreaming and trying to recreated those NYC moments in my mind. What I can remember most about my trip was deciding what I was going to wear, New York has always been such a symbol of fashion to me. Television shows I grew up with such as Sex and the City and Ugly Betty have such a fashion orientated vibe I felt that I had to impress those characters which have always stuck with me. I really wanted to branch out of my comfort zone and put together outfits that I hadn't have worn before. So here are some of my favourites.
There is just something about an outfit which makes memories for me, I now associate these pieces with my trip and it makes me smile. So I wanted to write a post so in years to come when I'm all old and grey I can look back and see what I was wearing back in 2017.
I hope you're having a lovely week.
Lots of love
George x
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