Queer Intro
Welcome to the Gay in the Bay Blog! I am Josie, a queer writer and videographer that loves to document what I see around me. This started out as a writing blog but has grown to include events that more people should know about.
This post is for the week of February 5 - 11.
Do you have a live event that needs filming? I’m a videographer! Please check out the Sweeney Media on your way to the About > Contact page. I look forward to working with you.
Writing
Jet lag threw me off my writing game. Let’s say that I tripped over my feet during a run. I’ve picked myself back up and am picking up the pace again. The revisions are messy but momentous. Wonderous!
In the meantime, let me talk about what I’m writing.
A long time ago, in a city far, far away, I was in a fiction writing class. We were supposed to write short stories. My brain doesn’t take directions very well, and I began developing a full-blown novel in spite of what I was told to do. I wanted this to be a story about realizing a guy has powers and learns what to do about it. Very original, I know.
After college the story lay dormant in my head. When the pandemic hit, I had started another novel about finding family and recovering from an abusive relationship (more on that in a future post). That one is mostly finished. Once I moved to Oakland, California I focused on the superpower story instead.
The first draft was finished in five months. But this January, last month, only a few weeks ago: I realized it was a terrible draft. Most first drafts are, after all. Six small chapters in it became clear that this story meandered like a post-apocalyptic story. It was supposed to be a superhero story; and it could’ve been a lot more queer.
Most of January was spent writing the first third. I’ve since been outlining the middle section and being distracted by San Francisco. There’s a lot to see and much of it has been taped for my YouTube channel.
That’s it for my queer superhero book so far! If I’m not talking about what I’m writing, I’m talking shop about revisions and drafts.
Wanted: Better Habits
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I believed I was watching too much television. That could be true, but there’s so much Law & Order, Charmed, and Doctor Who to catch up on! The real issue is social media; the big bad evil algorithm that keeps coming back like a Scream villain. I just need to breathe and be mindful. Maybe I’ll add my own list of tips that can stave off the Evil Apps (Facebook and Instagram).
This is where articles like this comes in. This is worth a read, especially if you are a writer of any format. While I’m not deleting accounts, I do plan on limiting my time on them. Besides, I’ve deleted and been drawn back in. It’s all a whirlpool. It’s not entirely impossible to swim out of the current, but it’s damn difficult to go against the pressure.
Harry Potter Opinion
Wired posted an article on the release date. HERE is that article.
There was a video game set to release on February 10, 2023. This has caused discourse between quite a few folks. The main issue has been that this game pays JK Rowling, whomst is known for her anti-LGBT and anti-trans sentiments in the past.
This has deeply upset the Trans* Community, on top of the issues going on in Utah and Tennessee. It feels like we are regressing in many ways, but more and more folx are making their voices heard.
SF Black & Pink
Black & Pink is a non-profit organization that helps facilitate communications with incarcerated folx in the penal system. They send letters to those throughout California. They have a couple of events every month. The one I went to was at Sour Cherry Comics on 16th & Gurrero Streets. This is a great way to practice your coloring skills, or simply write if that’s your style. Either way, you help a trans/non-binary person.
To quote their Instagram Page: “We are a Queer/Trans Prisoner Solidarity Project in the SF Bay Area, currently connected as a chapter of Black & Pink.”
Color Coded Calendar
Each week I keep track of events so you don’t have to! This is amazing since I’m neurodivergent. But below are events that I really think you’ll enjoy…
Milk SF has a ton of wondrous events! Coming up are two that you should keep your eye open:
Queer Bedtime Stories is a well-established gathering of the queer minds. You can read works from authors of the LGBT Community, poetry, or even original works! Host Scott gives an almost spiritual aura to the cafe as the evening progresses. Every month is amazing and worth visiting. Event date: February 16th. Doors open at 7.30pm, event starts at 8pm.
Poetry Slime is all about reading, and is more chaotic. To quote the Host Leland, “like a slam, but also not at all like a slam in any way.” You can read your own work or read poetry from another LGBT author. If that doesn’t suit you, there’s a third option: reading a celebrity’s unhinged social media posts. Want to know who? Join us to find out! Event date: February 18th, 2-4pm.
Queer Classics is hosted by Samir at the New Parkway Theater. Next Sunday he will host a showing of The Merry Widow (1934). Samir does a wonderful job of connecting the threads with the movie and its connection to the LGBT Community. Showtime is February 19th at 3pm. You can find more info on the Facebook events page.
Each week The New Parkway Theater in Oakland has a variety of events. The two that I love the most are Drinks & Dragons (Wednesdays) and Trivia (Thursdays) respectively. Check out The New Parkway website for further information on these and other events. You cannot go wrong no matter what day you show up.
Pop Culture
Each week I include media that I’ve enjoyed. If you’re a creator of any kind, please email me to be included in this list. I love discovering new artists; from singer-songwriters to upcoming directors, and beyond.
Delilah Bon — Alternative, New Metal, Rap/Hip Hop, Punk; there are many words that describe singer-songwriter-producer Delilah Bon from the UK. I can’t think of any because I am speechless (in a wonderful way). Check her website out at the link above; listening platforms included.
Charmed — I’ve started watching Charmed (1998-2006, 2018-2022) and I am loving it! They pushed the envelope with their spells in an imaginative way; talking about the production side of things. I’m sure to have more to say in the future.
The Singular They video — This delightful video sheds some light on grammar. Don’t worry, this is a fun one!