National Coming Out Day, Queer Self Love, and Becoming Midnighter

October 11, 2016October 11, 2016 Dennis R. Upkins

Today is National Coming Out Day. This year I’ve been reflecting on the trending hashtag #QueerSelfLove which emerged in response to the Orlando and LA Pride (attempted) attacks this past summer. It’s an initiative for LGBTQs to reclaim their power and celebrate who they are. It’s a great idea and I’m happy to see so many people have taken to it.

Truth be told, me loving myself has never been the issue when it comes to the systemic oppression I face in my day to day. It also goes without saying that one of the main battlefronts for said oppression is fandom. For me to survive much less thrive, I find myself constantly channeling my patronus. In short, when they come for this Clark Kent, they in turn meet Lucas Trent.

Midnighter Mode in 3…..2……1……..

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Fantasy, Interview, Literature

Lie To Me: An Interview With Michael James Bode

October 11, 2015October 12, 2015 Dennis R. Upkins

In honor of LGBTQ History Month and National Coming Out Day

Originally posted on Geeks Out.

You all are in for a real treat. Mike Bode and I have been good friends going back well over a decade. Before either of us became published authors, we both had a loyal following on Livejournal. Bode was one of my favorite bloggers. My fellow ATL resident is armed with a rapier wit and a glass of the finest wine that would make one Olivia Pope proud.

So when I learned that he stepped into the writing game with his debut novel, Queen of Lies, the first in the Architects of the Grand Design series, I was too excited to boost the signal. His second installment, The Mirrored City, will be available October 29.

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