On June 28, 1969, patrons of a gay bar in Greenwich Village—the Stonewall Inn—tired of the constant harassment by the NYPD, protested against the latest raid. When police became violent toward the protesters, the gay community fought back in what turned into nearly a week of riots—known today as the Stonewall Uprising. Thus was born … Continue reading The Stonewall Uprising
(C) 2022, JJ Shaun Earlier this week, world swimming’s governing body effectively banned transgender women from competition. Why? Because of the perceived “advantage” held by women who have fully transitioned from male to female. (Notice there is no female-to-male transgender equivalent argument as transmen are assumed to be at a “disadvantage.) This argument hearkens back … Continue reading Transgender Persons
“I am a lesbian, and it was a later in life recognition of that fact.”~Meredith Baxter American actress and producer Meredith Baxter was born on this day in 1947.
(C) 2022, JJ Shaun Coming out as ‘gay’ almost always ended in losing one’s support system when I grew up. Many people were disowned by their families, shunned by their friends, and harassed by anyone and everyone. As I look back at my life, I recognize that I’ve been ‘gay’ for as long as I … Continue reading Why Is Pride Month Important?
(C) 2022, JJ Shaun June is Gay Pride Month. Some of you might be saying, “So what? Why should I care?” You already know someone who is gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, and you don’t know it. Our sexuality is the most personal, private aspect of ourselves. And when that part of our lives deviates … Continue reading June Is Pride Month
(C) 2020, JJ Shaun Most of my ideas are set in some fantasy world or another. One notable exception is a story I wrote in college. The script I had penned for a class stayed with me over the decades. After reading It Can’t Happen Here, by Sinclair Lewis, a story idea began to percolate. … Continue reading When Characters Have More to Say
(C) 2019 JJ ShaunSign in front of the Rainbow House in Topeka, Kansas October is LGBTQ History Month. Why do I mention that you ask? Well, if you haven’t already figured it out, I’m a lesbian. I struggled with my identity in the early 80s when being gay was still considered a “mental illness.” It … Continue reading LGBTQ History Month
Last week, I promised pictures of the Vedauwoo formations. I failed. Instead, we went on ATV rides around the Pole Mountain area of the Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming. (C) 2019, JJ ShaunOur campsite We had an impressive camp spot with a gorgeous view. (C) 2019, JJ ShaunView from camp Our friend, “DJ LaLa,” … Continue reading Summer Vacation, Part II
Poetry BLOG By Edge of Humanity Magazine
New Writing Engaging with the Sacred
50,000 Monkeys at 50,000 Typewriters Can't Be Wrong
J.J. Shaun 