Saturday

Changing the Future






Hi all! Welcome to Hop Against Homophobia, Bi- and Transphobia and my website. We are honoring the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (May 17th) with this blog hop and PRIZES!

What are Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia? I like Morgan Freeman's definition the best. 
Let's talk about how we can change things! My background is in communications and when asked about homophobia, I usually talk about the inter-generational transmission of beliefs and target-specific stigma change. Which is fascinating, swear but a bit dry. So here it is boiled down a bit.

I believe that, as a writer, I can make a difference by having honest portrayals of LGBTQA characters in my fiction.

Simple, right? If we create -- mysteries and sci-fi and horror and romance -- books with reaffirming and realistic people that are from all areas of the LGBT+ spectrum, people will see the truth. If we treat the subject with respect, avoiding cliches and stereotypes, we'll overshadow all the hate. It can be done. It has been done. People have already changed the world, one story at a time, to influence race, religion, gender equality. More must be done through positive representation in media.

Do you remember Queer as Folk? Will and Grace? The Color Purple? They all have influenced the public beliefs or understanding of homosexuals. What about Brokeback Mountain? Laverne Cox? Philadelphia? And Tango makes Three? They've all shaped how the next generation sees gender and sexual identity.

 Episode 27 - LGBT+ in YARecently, I was featured on the Papercuts Podcast and we talked at length about the importance of representation in YA fiction. If you can't see yourself in the characters you read, how does that impact your self worth and identity? I believe we can drastically lower the teen suicide rate and homelessness by supporting LGBT representation in our YA fiction, especially in schools and local libraries. A really good resource for these books is http://www.gayya.org/.  Listen to the complete podcast here.
Now for the goodies. I'm a huge fan of OmniLit and AllRomance, a distribution site for ebooks. They have a great selection of YA LGBT books including Sock it to Me, Santa! by Madison Parker (which I reread each Christmas) and The Soccer Field is Empty by Mark A. Roeder. Two of my favorites and books discussed during the podcast. I'm giving one winner $20.00 in Omni Bucks (the site's version of a gift certificate) and all you need to do to win is either comment on this blog post or share the post on Facebook or Twitter. Like three chances to win? Do all three. On the 25th, I'll announce a winner and email them the Omni Bucks. 

There are over 50 writers, editors, publishers, and artists who are participating in this HOP! Go check them out. http://hopagainsthomophobia.blogspot.com/

20 comments:

  1. I think any media that gets people like myself being more aware of issues being faced by all in the LGBT world is good. And I love Sock it too me Santa!. Havent read the other book but will note to look it up.

    Suze
    Littlesuze at hotmail.com

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    1. Heads up, Outfield is a sad book. Thanks Suzi

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  2. Thank you for your post and participating in this blog hop.

    kimberlyFDR@yahoo.com

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    1. Kimberly, excellent use of the ly. I've got you entered.

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  3. ANGELA:

    Thank you for this post and help to spread the word, it is so important.

    I've read Sock it to me Santa and it's a great xmas read. Never read The soccer field is empty so i have to check that out :)

    Also thank you for the great giveaway price i too love Are, great place to buy ebooks :)

    avr(at)home(dot)nl

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    1. The Soccer Field is Empty is sad, just FYI. I've got you entered. Thanks for participating!

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  4. Thank you for the post.

    dannyfiredragon@aol.com

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  5. thanks for the post!

    annmarief115 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks for participating. I've got you entered.

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  6. Thanks for the post and participating in the blog hop! I love Morgan's quote!
    aegger.echo(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. He is very likable all on his own and then he says awesome stuff like that. Total cherry on the cake. I've got you entered.

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  7. Such a great post...I love SOCK IT TO ME, SANTA! too.

    Trix, vitajex(at)aol(dot)com

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  8. Thank you for the post and for taking part in the hop. Sock It To Me, Santa! was a fun read, I enjoyed it a lot =)

    humhumbum AT yahoo DOT com

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  9. Great post. I am hoping in the future we can enjoy each other's differences.
    debby236 at gmail dot com

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  10. I have never been a homophobic,or a bigot,but until 3 years ago,I haven't been accepting either...and then I've read a book with a gay character.
    Since than,my opinion has changed,shaped over the course of time,and now I'm a strong supporter. So,yeah,writer can make a huge difference...
    Thanks for participating!

    milicawho0805@gmail.com

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    1. Milica, thanks for the comment. I remind myself of my own journey when I see haters or those who are ignorant. It gives me hope that they can come around too.

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  11. shared on FB
    thanks for being part of the hop <3

    leetee2007(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  12. Thanks for joining; nice post

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  13. Thanks for being part of the hop and a great post.
    sstrode at scrtc dot com

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