Artwork depicting Matthew Shepard in profile view - remembering how his death impacted me decades ago

The Enduring Influence of Matthew Shepard: A Gay Man’s Perspective 26 Years Later

Twenty-six years have passed since Matthew Shepard’s brutal murder, yet the event still brings tears to my eyes. Talking about this sometimes feels self-indulgent; I’ve mentioned it in past essays, notably one where feelings I’d disconnected from for years resurfaced fully last year. Until then, I had disconnected from the emotions I experienced surrounding Matthew…

Coming Out Late: Accepting My Sexuality Without Clear Milestones

Coming Out Late: Accepting My Sexuality Without Clear Milestones

Going Off The Script Most gay men seem to have a story of coming to accept their sexuality. It might be long or short especially depending on their generation and other factors, but most I’ve spoken with regardless of having come out “late” or not have definitive moments they realized they were gay and the…

Madonna being dipped by a blonde dancer in a tux - Regan Patno

Queer Representation Matters When We’re Growing Up

Watching the Oscars recently, I had one of those little flashbacks. Nothing mind-blowing just dropping into life circa 1985. This was before we had MTV but there was Nick Rocks on Saturdays when Nickelodeon aired videos. And Madonna’s Material Girl video captured my attention in multiple ways. What made me think of this during the…

Book Shelf - Default Image

Body Issues

For anyone who has known me in person, my body issues have been on public display for most of my life. In fact, I remember all the way back in kindergarten that I was Santa in our Christmas play because some of my classmates suggested I fit the role because I was fat. I look…

Traditional Television Experience In The Age of Streaming TV

Traditional Television Experience In The Age of Streaming TV

Traditional Television Channel Surfing For Seniors In the past few years since my Dad’s death I’ve been working on cutting some cords. What these traditional services like a landline phone or cable TV cost these days is truly crazy. My parents have had cable TV since I was in Kindergarten and at the time those…