Hi, There are times when it comes to writing a blog post that I need to walk away and do something else. Not for any drama, but because whatever is floating around in my noggin, needs a little time to settle. Earlier in the week, I happened to be assisting in an online event about the long shadow of racism in large institutions. Being behind the scenes, I had to stay quiet (a challenge, I know 😉), but in doing so, I was able to focus and listen to the speakers. They were are women from BAME (Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic) backgrounds. By the end of the afternoon, I felt that I’d witnessed a discussion to hear the stories […]
Read moreTag: society
The day that was
Hi, It was Father’s Day last weekend and of the various labels attached to me: Dad is one I wear comfortably. Perhaps not easily as being a parent isn’t always an easy task. Rewarding? Oh hey much so, but like anything in life that’s worth it, oh baby you gotta work 😁 I’m not complaining, I love our two dearly and setting them grow and change is, well, a pleasure. Being someone betwixt the poles of gender and an outlier in bloke culture, I’ve never really been sure on where I might fall as an influence. I guess being the way I am – even if I keep some of it secret – I hope that being nonjudgmental and supportive […]
Read moreVoting with your purse
Hi, In the village not far from us, there’s a choice of two shops. The Co-op and not the Co-op. I’m not going to give the latter some free advertising and this post is about that. I don’t usually buy from the other shop, but the Co-Op didn’t have what I needed. As I stood in the socially distanced queue, I noticed some rainbow flags draped around the tills. Proudly supporting LGBTQ+ they proclaimed. Ah, how awesome. Funny. They seemed also to be stocking three red top ‘newspapers’ who have a very poor track record on LGBTQ+ matters. Hmm. That took the shine off a bit. When I got to the singular cashier, we did the usual How Are Yous, […]
Read moreDon’t be that.
Hi, As a straight white bloke from a middle class background, I think I’ve got a fair old chuck of privilege. The schools were pretty good where I was born, my folks cared for me, and despite some minor bullying/outing, I passed through life pretty easily all things considered. No one yells abuse of “go back home”. People don’t tell me smile more. I don’t get leered at, touched up, groped, or have my chest stared at. I don’t fear for my safety when the night draws in. People don’t look at me like I’m a criminal or a terrorist. People listen to me because I’m a man. If I was to be stopped by the Police, I’d be nervous, […]
Read moreFlags
Hi, The other day, T-Central featured a post about Being Bi-gender from Michelle Deere. IMO, it’s a great read and well worth visiting to see what Michelle has to say. A few months ago, I was talking with a work mate and H was talking about company values. We have all the white knuckle, rock and roll, lunchtime chats. 🙂 I think what’s great about those who talk about their experiences, is that that gives context and detail on what they mean. We’re more than one word, IMHO. I don’t want to get into an argument over “well, this term means this, not that.” It’s more to say that that is the issue. Not having a word means there’s no […]
Read more