An interesting e-mail exchange...

This is an exerpt from an e-mail exchange i had with my good friend and former roommate, Matt Moon. I felt i had to publish this exchange because it clarifies my position on sexuality and his response is absolutely on point and well-written. This is officially my first "co-post," but i hope it won't be the last. I'm all about collaboration and synergy. Thanks, Matt for the conversation and the support. I love you, too. You are a great friend, man!

What i wrote:

"As i've said, i am much more attracted to straight guys. I'm not about identifying gays or outing anyone. He (someone i'm interested in and telling Matt about) can make his own decisions about whether he's comfortable doing that. I'm more interested in identifying guys who would be willing to try some things is all i'm after. I'm not really looking for a serious relationship at this point. I'm just trying to have a little fun. That being said, i feel i should clarify my own position on things. I don't think a guy who messes around with another guy is necessarily gay. I think that's a common misconception people have about sexuality. I don't think it's quite so black and white. I think sexuality is a very convoluted thing that shouldn't be define in such concrete terms. I generally shy away from calling myself "gay" or "queer" or any of the other labels people assign to categorize individuals so that they may understand them better. Am i homosexual? Yes because i'm more attracted to the male gender, but i don't think i'm gay. Some might say that it's semantics and that the nuances are unimportant, but i emphatically disagree. Nuances are extremely important especially in this instance. Sexuality is different for each and every individual despite the commonalities that might exist between people. That's true regardless of if you're heterosexual or homosexual."
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Matt's response:

"I hear you. Seems like you've thought long and well about this subject and I don't disagree with you in any way. I think anyone who gets saddled with a label (whatever that label is) should take it over (as you seem to have done) and define it in whatever way they see fit. You may not be able to change the label that's been foisted upon you, but you can certainly redefine what it means. Make it your own, you know? If you think the nuances are important, then they are...and be damned to anyone who thinks otherwise! Further, if that nuance is important to you, then it's important to me too..."
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I just want to make one last statement. For anyone in the gay and lesbian community reading this post, please don't think i'm trying to separate myself from you by not embracing who i am. On the contrary, embracing who i am is exactly what i've done. Individualism applies to all walks of life regardless of sexual preference. Commonalities exist, but the differences are what make us who we really are.

Thanks again to all of you for reading. It feels so good to share!

Catch up with y'all next time!

oslo

Eco-Chef Reconnects With Local Food

I went to school with this guy, Bryant Terry back in Memphis. He has some really good ideas, thoughts and opinions regarding the importance of locally grown food supplies and emphasizes eating a healthier diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Good stuff. Hope you enjoy the interview.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95288271

I'll be back reporting soon enough on my not always so exciting life on the other side. Hope you haven't given up on me. I've just been a little busy recently and frankly, not much has happened in the last couple of weeks. I'm sure that will change though so keep checking back.

Take good care, all.

oslo

The Carousel...

Went to the Carousel last night (technically the Carousel II, but who's counting?) for the first time since my freshman year in college obviously under completely different circumstances this time. It was a hoot! I'll have to give you more details when i have more time, but right now i'm running late for a buddy's wedding so check out these links instead. I promise i won't leave you hangin'!

http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/105934/10-Reasons-You

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/end


I would also like to point out that i've added two new links to the "links" section of my blog. They are links to the Knoxville Recycling Coalitions website and a link to the Story of Stuff. Check 'em out!

A bientot,