Some things cannot be left unsaid. So it’s here where I’ll spill tea about certain trending topics. It’s okay, you don’t have to accept everything!
There’s a media frenzy going on at the moment in Australia about sports players touching each other. From bum slaps to crotch grabs. And not just men, but women too. The main discussion point is about sexual harassment in the workplace, but that’s not why I’m here. I’m here because we’re avoiding the taboo question of whether men or women groping each other is gay. … Continue reading Sports Players Are Allowed To Touch Each Other
The end of an era is nigh. At least that’s what it feels like. But thanks to this pandemic, I’m not rushing to chase my dreams. Instead, I’m stuck at home wondering what my non-existent 30th birthday party will look like. But that’s not my ultimate fear… The world has peddled this idea that you have to do everything before your 30. If you don’t, … Continue reading I’m Turning 30 in the Middle of a Pandemic
The underlying reason why so many people refuse to wear masks is that they don’t want to face reality. Anyone who has gone through the motions of accepting personal life problems can easily see the similarities. It’s not so much a denial of the pandemic altogether, but a denial of its seriousness. They so desperately want to hold onto the normalities of life, so much … Continue reading Anti-Maskers Need To Accept Reality
I finally know what mandatory quarantine feels like. I had taken a test for COVID-19 last Friday and my negative result didn’t come back until Monday. Which meant I was stuck at home all weekend. Of course, I wouldn’t call it my lowest point since the global outbreak began; in fact, my writing productivity went up thanks to it. But between all the writing, reading … Continue reading Three Things I Miss Most During This Pandemic
What’s more important: going to work sick and hoping they make a bit more money OR preventing unwanted deaths of your relatives, friends and local community members? It’s not a hard choice. And yet, some people think it is… Let’s be honest here: unless you’re working on something groundbreaking like the cure for cancer, the work you do is not entirely important. You can take … Continue reading It’s Okay To Burden Your Workplace and Self-Isolate
You could be if you don’t wear a mask… As a gay man, it’s recommended that I regularly get tested for STIs. On top of this, I should slip on a condom if I’m going all the way and ask about the sexual health status of any prospective fucks. And I do these things not JUST for my own health, but for all my future … Continue reading Wanna Be The Cause Of Someone’s Death?
I cannot remember the last time I gave a hug. And that’s coming from someone who regularly greets with a warm embrace. So now I have to suffice with an elbow or footsie, and doesn’t that sound depressing… The fact is, humans are not designed to physically distance. We always need affection, even from our friends and acquaintances. We hug for compassion and handshake for … Continue reading Humans Are Not Designed To Physically Distance
COVID-19 has been in Australia since February, but until now most of the cases were those returning from overseas. It began in Victoria with a few clusters, and now the state is in lockdown again. But regardless of that, COVID-19 has wriggled its way across the border into New South Wales – with more and more new outbreaks coming to light by the day. Soon, … Continue reading Why I’ve Bought A Mask
Media representation is a powerful tool in normalising minorities into mainstream society. The first time I saw myself represented on screen was quite surreal. Although the circumstances were a little difficult at the time. At 11 pm, on certain weeknights, SBS would play Queer As Folk. And with mum being an early sleeper, it was perfect timing for my developing sexuality. Admittedly, I mostly watched … Continue reading Media Representation: A Gay Man’s Perspective
Have you ever wondered why the queer community isn’t whining about Black Lives Matter taking over Pride Month? The fact is, we’ve already got so much awareness about LGBTQI+ life. And much of the systematic injustices over being gay or differently gendered in the western world have been removed or overturned. There’s still a long way to go, of course – especially in anti-gay countries … Continue reading The Queer Community Should Stand With Black Lives Matter
I still remember the quote as if it was yesterday. There I was, standing amongst a 40,000-strong rally at the tail end of the Marriage Equality Postal Survey. We were all engaged with the speaker who stood atop a makeshift stage, prepping us for the upcoming march. And then he said this: “We transcend race. We transcend gender. We transcend families. We transcend the world.” … Continue reading Why Aren’t We Listening?
No group will ever take to the streets and burn things up for no reason. They always need a cause. And the ones happening across the US right now are no different. Nearly everyone has heard of the name George Floyd – the man who died with a policeman’s knee jammed in his neck. Many more would have heard of Amy Cooper – the woman … Continue reading What Are These US Protests Really About?
The Gay Straight-Talker 