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 March 26 - April 1.

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.

Thoughts on Writing, by Josie Sweeney

How do you write about writing? I’ve found this to be difficult. Many of the YouTube videos I’ve found online are presented like guides on writing. My bias is showing, because they come off as “this is the only way to go about this,” as if that creator’s video had been peer-reviewed. And that’s not the case. On the other hand, maybe I’d been trying to find ways to be completely original. After all, there are no more original stories, right?

Technically it’s true. Authorial contributors like Joseph Campbell Robert McKee have written extensively on what makes a good story; this is before you even begin to talk about format.

Technique, format, even down to the font choice can quickly become pedantic and trivial. And I believe that’s what my brain sees/hears whenever I see one of those “how to” videos on YouTube. It becomes so difficult to find the answer to a particular question when it feels as though opinions are carbon copied. And you don’t even have to be published to make these videos! (Which is great, I might add.)

There are so many videos and books on “How to Write a Book” that it can become overwhelming to figure anything out. And that’s what I was until I finally got to sit down and actually write. I went through the hurricane of distractions and “I don’t knows” that I forgot a very simple, very important piece of advice that Neil Gaiman states both whimsically and elegantly: Make Good Art.

This isn’t to say that you aren’t allowed to make bad art. Sometimes art needs to be “bad” before you get to the good art.

Here’s a specific example from my first attempt at completing a book: I spent five months wallowing in the trenches of this world where superpowers were real. At times I wasn’t certain what should happen next. And yet, on the last week of October, I did it. I completed my draft. And I took a couple of months off. In January 2023, I sat down to read two drafts at once to make notes; because I’m, quite frankly, crazy.

And it was bad. It was a terrible draft!

I lamented this for a small amount of time before realizing that I can make this better. Much, much better. And cooler.

So it feels like another hurricane has struck again. And I’m grateful to be in the midst of figuring out just what exactly happens within the pages of this world. That, and I found a YouTube video on Brandon Sanderson’s writing routine.

You may be in search of one thing, but end up seeing things differently.

Winchester Mystery House, San Jose

This week I want to talk about something spooky. The Winchester Mystery House has been part of the San Jose scene for well over a century. Well, most of it. There was an earthquake in 1906, which is devastating. But let’s not allow history to get in the way of a good time. Because allegedly there are ghosts in the house.

There is a lot to be said about the Winchester house, and the thing I’d like to focus on is the beauty. This place is massive, dramatic, and very Victorian. The scariest thing about the house, though, is that it’s the oldest building in the area. Every other building is less than twenty years old.

If pictures say a thousand words, then I have plenty to show. Below is only a smattering of the pictures I took. The link in the headline brings you to Kaz Rowe’s video on the House.

For full transparency: The Winchester museum asks that you do not take photos or videos for commercial purposes. I am not being paid to publish these photos, and have no plans to.

News

Malicious Compliance suggests Bible Ban

The Bible is on the chopping block as book bans seem to be taking place. Lawmakers call this a joke and a slap in the face in what they are trying to do. But this is malicious compliance, since the bible contains scenes and descriptions of sex, slavery, war, human sacrifice, and other descriptions that would, in all seriousness, be terrible for kids to read.

Donal Trump Indictment

This past week it was revealed that former president Donald Trump (who still makes me gag) will be indicted. Everyone except me is speculating how he will react. He will most likely act like a child and claim he is the most victimized person in recorded history. What else is new?

Trump is expected to be in New York City for the indictment on Tuesday, April 4th. More information provided in the linked headline above.

Kentucky pushes further Right

Lawmakers passed a bill that band gender-affirming care for transgender youth in the state, overriding a veto from Democratic Governor Andy Beshear. Prior to the vote, at least 19 people were arrested after dozens of protesters entered the House Chamber to oppose the bill.

This event occurred on March 31st, International Transgender Day of Visibility. The people in opposition were overwhelming in their opposition, at times being louder than a speaker.

Link found in the headline.

In Other News…

Hometown Artist: Fosterfalls

Wistful and dreamy, artist Fosterfalls’ first and so far only song met my ears gracefully and in a magical tone. While my description is in cloud nine, I cannot think of a better compliment for this Memphis-based singer songwriter. I found out about them on an instagram post and had to check them out on Spotify.

I listen to Punk or even City Pop these days. Their music is best described as a soundscape of peace and serenity. Please give them a listen. Their Spotify link is above in the headline.

Pocket Miku

This one stood out — sorry, spoke out — so much that it gets a standalone spot here. The Pocket Miku is from a synthesis technology called Vocaloid. This tech is produced by Yamaha. The full name of this unique instrument is Gakken NSX-39.

There is an anime character on the front, created by a company called Krypton Future. Her name is Hatsune Miku. And the synthesizer uses her voice. She vocalizes a set number of words no matter which key you press. This thing is adorable and I would love one. Reportedly only $75, but please check the company’s website for further details.

You can find the YouTube channel that introduced me to the Pocket Miku in the headline above. If you like the music of the content creator, you can find him here and below.

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.

I found Natalie Layne through this Instagram post, and it gave me the biggest serotonin boost. Check her out on Spotify!
Harry Potter, as imagined by Balenciaga.
David Hilowitz plays all kinds of music (check out the Pocket Miku above). Check out his Spotify!

Queer Intro

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.”

Instagram

Link Tree

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

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!