What could I possibly say . . .

As someone who has been writing fiction on and off for twenty years or so (not professionally, of course) a question was posed to me recently by someone who has helped with editing a number of my stories, asking what I would talk about if I were to be asked to give a speech or write a column.

My first reaction was simply, ‘What the hell would anyone want me to talk about? Surely there are many more people out there who would be far more interesting and eminently qualified to offer insights and opinions?’

‘I’m sure there could be,’ was the curt reply. ‘But I’m not asking them. You are the person I am asking, so just have a think about how you would answer the question please.’

So I did. I started thinking about what sort of questions someone might want to ask a gay, middle-aged man, rural born and bred, who just happens to write fiction, amongst other things.

We’ve all been told that everyone has something to say. Everyone has an opinion on something that is worth asking them about or worth asking them to share, and it took me a little while to realize it, but eventually it dawned on me; those things I could talk about were exactly what my life has been. Growing up gay in rural Australia. The trials and tribulations that were involved, the experiences, the loneliness, the joy, the heartbreak, the good, the bad and the ugly of being who I was in a world that all too often is far from accepting of people like me . . . and the countless other invisible guys out there who are just like me.

I also realized that for people in some parts of the country conditions may be better for them than those living elsewhere, for example, those who are gay and living in the cities would likely have fewer issues and greater opportunities than those in rural parts of this country, and this is exactly why I figured it was time for something to be said. The more I thought about it the more I knew that these stories simply must be shared. Not for ourselves, as having survived thus far we have pretty much already figured things out, but for all those others just like us who are yet to navigate this world. The young, the confused, the lonely. Those who are victimized or abused just for being different. These are the people for whom help and guidance can be of immense benefit, to show them just what others like them have experienced and to get the message out there that being who you are is nothing to be ashamed of.

I’m no gay activist, nor am I any sort of counsellor or shrink, but my hope is that by sharing experiences, along with the personal and real-life stories of many others whom I have come to know and who have grown up in similar situations and with similar experiences, I will be able to make some difference in someone’s life, however small that may be. I know, from some of my interactions with young readers of my own stories over the years, just what type of positive effect these stories can have on those who are dealing with these issues, so that is why I am looking to start this process.

In addition to using original LGBT themed fiction (my own and that of others whom I admire – with their permission of course), I would also like to include reviews of books and movies, and maybe some personal views and opinions on topical subjects or current events which relate to or affect the LGBT community.

As you will see, this post is on a different platform to my usual website, so please bear with me as I move forward in what is a slightly different and hopefully more rewarding direction. Those of you who have been with me for a number of years will still get to enjoy all my stories, and more, but I am also hopeful of adding to my readership by expanding my output into other areas.

Only time will tell if what I set out to do will come to fruition, but I have to start somewhere. Please watch this space. 😊