Justin Pyfrom's Blog, page 23

Ready To Go Into Abyss

I am so proud and excited to announce the grand opening of a new podcast that my good friend, Brett Walker, has released to the public.

Brett and I are teachers in China. You know, that I’m an English teacher in Chongqing. Brett is a music teacher in Beijing who just so happened to be a gifted writer in the realm of theater and literature. We met during the COVID-19 lockdown and on Grindr, of all places. But, we heard the word “artist” and became the quickest of friends. Artists has to stick to together.

We spoke about our projects and one of this projects was a podcast that will dive into the realm of horror in a really interesting. Side note, he already told the story and I will say nothing. Ha ha. Lucky for all of us, it’s free to listen to and the story will be worth the wait.

“Join Collin King and The Arcane Trouveurs as they explore the mysteries behind the world’s greatest horrors in this Lovecraft inspired podcast. Episodes update on the 4th and 18th of the month.”

You can check it out at the following links:
Website: https://thearcanetrouveurs.buzzsprout.com/1295810
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0i2Pp0t90Aj0E5Y5l0yT3f

It’s also available at the Apple Store. Just know that I will listening to this with the lights on because I am a punk when it comes down to the horror world.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 98. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

Some Tears, Some Cheers

I had a good cry, as of recently. It was a momentary break that was needed. I was told that I was misinformed about my status a man. Moreover, I was enlightened by the fact that I deserve to have a cry every now and again because of my “unique” status as an “outsider waving through a window”. I had my friend, Levana and Bernard, to remind me of that.

“You are a gay, light-skinned black foreigner who comes from America.”

That’s what Levana had to remind me after I spend the day being disrespected by different people for different reasons. I had a Chinese individual turn his back on me because he said (in his native tongue) that he rather hang with his own kind. Later, I had the delight of experiencing the classic colorism from a darker skin foreigner. Then, I had to be reminded that I was considered an outcast from my LGBTQ+ community because I don’t fit into some of the stereotypes. And, finally, because of my President’s constant antics, I have to deal with people telling me that I don’t belong anywhere as America is considered World Enemy #1. All that boiled over and caused me to break down in tears. It was the first time in a very long time that I cried.

You know…I think the last time I cried was a year after my grandfather’s funeral. I remember letting everybody else get their tears out and told myself that I would cry later. I guess I forgot to give myself the space to let out my emotions.

Levana told me something that I need to hear. She told me that, despite what I was told, being black, alone, gives us permission to cry. We need to let it out because it allows to continue on with our head high. She even divulged to me that she takes the time to cry, sigh and move on about a few month or so because that’s how she keeps to her zen state of mind.

Bernard told me that I deserve a good cry after everything we talked about. He’s a man that shares some of the same hardship as me and even he takes the time out to breath so he can let it all out. We talked about the unfair toxicity among men and their emotions afterwards. It was the two-for-one therapy session that I need. I thank God for them everyday.

On a brighter note, though, I finished writing all 45 short stories. Now, I just have to type them all up. That’s going to be interesting because, ironically, I’m a mediocre typer. Actually…I write faster than I type. So, this is going to be a real fun time for me. I’m just happy that I’m almost done with Phase 1 of my SS Project.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and Fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 94. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

Some Tears, Some Cheers

I had a good cry, as of recently. It was a momentary break that was needed. I was told that I was misinformed about my status a man. Moreover, I was enlightened by the fact that I deserve to have a cry every now and again because of my “unique” status as an “outsider waving through a window”. I had my friend, Levana and Bernard, to remind me of that.

“You are a gay, light-skinned black foreigner who comes from America.”

That’s what Levana had to remind me after I spend the day being disrespected by different people for different reasons. I had a Chinese individual turn his back on me because he said (in his native tongue) that he rather hang with his own kind. Later, I had the delight of experiencing the classic colorism from a darker skin foreigner. Then, I had to be reminded that I was considered an outcast from my LGBTQ+ community because I don’t fit into some of the stereotypes. And, finally, because of my President’s constant antics, I have to deal with people telling me that I don’t belong anywhere as America is considered World Enemy #1. All that boiled over and caused me to break down in tears. It was the first time in a very long time that I cried.

You know…I think the last time I cried was a year after my grandfather’s funeral. I remember letting everybody else get their tears out and told myself that I would cry later. I guess I forgot to give myself the space to let out my emotions.

Levana told me something that I need to hear. She told me that, despite what I was told, being black, alone, gives us permission to cry. We need to let it out because it allows to continue on with our head high. She even divulged to me that she takes the time to cry, sigh and move on about a few month or so because that’s how she keeps to her zen state of mind.

Bernard told me that I deserve a good cry after everything we talked about. He’s a man that shares some of the same hardship as me and even he takes the time out to breath so he can let it all out. We talked about the unfair toxicity among men and their emotions afterwards. It was the two-for-one therapy session that I need. I thank God for them everyday.

On a brighter note, though, I finished writing all 45 short stories. Now, I just have to type them all up. That’s going to be interesting because, ironically, I’m a mediocre typer. Actually…I write faster than I type. So, this is going to be a real fun time for me. I’m just happy that I’m almost done with Phase 1 of my SS Project.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and Fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 94. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

Eye of The Hurricane…for Many

I’m two stories away from completing the drafts of the 45 short stories. I still have to type them all up before declaring Phase 1 being complete. Nonetheless, I know what’s going to be happen for me is going to be similar to that of a wicked whirlwind. But, right now, I’m just staring into the eye of the hurricane with a smile on my face. I can’t wait to take it on.

Further back in the week, my friends and I marveled at the fact that we are making steady progress in our respective field. I already spoke about my ever climbing to getting my stories complete so I want to talk about my friends’ progress.

First, my good friend, Ethan, is working to open his own restaurant here in Chongqing. But he does it in a rather quaint way. Every two weeks or so, he would have small get together where we can get to taste his creation. He is a phenomenal chef and I know he’s going to kick as co-owner. I say co-owner because, in China, foreigners need a Chinese native to legally run a business without a headache. I’m definitely going to be a regular at his place.

Second up is my future ex-husband, Noel. He’s a writer and musician but, while teaching, he found his footing in the literature world. Unlike me, who prefers to stick with an older audience, he has a knack for the young crowd. Without even finishing his first book, OWEN, the educational company we work as TEFL teachers for, has already offered him a deal. We talked about it over drinks and got super gitty about his accomplishment. He wondered why I wouldn’t take the deal. I just told him that my mind’s too dark for his audience.

Finally, I have my good friend, James, who is an exceptional guitar player. He’s not big on singing but he’s great at spoken word. Wonderful at it, actually. I told that his music could serve as the prefect aphrodisiac to any woman who has the privilege to listen to him. He wants to produce his first album but Chongqing doesn’t really have a studio. Well…not one that we’re aware of, yet. I know of one in Beijing where another friend of mine teaches Music for a high school. Maybe we can create one here for someone to run.

I wanted to added my friend, Brett, to this post but his project isn’t done, yet. So, I promised him that I wouldn’t say anything until his first episode is complete. Even promised him to create a specialized post to promote it. It’s something I wouldn’t have a problem with because it’s a fellow LGBTQ+ member, and artist.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and Fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 86. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

I Work Like I’m Running Out of Time

My brother and I have been talking about my writing and compared me to a particular unsung Founding Father. I found it flattering but inaccurate. See, contrary to his popular belief of me, I do take breaks, especially after my mental exhaustion. But, he did make one thing clear. I do, in fact, work like I’m “running out of time”.

It’s incredible, really. I have a list of things to complete towards the debut of my short story collection. And, now, since I got everything squared away with Western Union and PayPal which took longer than I care to admit. I mean, seriously, it was something of a nightmare and pretty expensive to fix since I had to add international calling to my Chinese phone plan.

My brother – and closest friend – has been helping me with my list of things that has to be done before my first short story is published and released. And, after completing SS #41, I only have four more stories to write before doing the following:

Redo my website to reflect my new brand (I might hire someone to do it),Complete the photoshoot with my buddy, Max (I’m super excited about that),Pay a freelancer to create contracts for models,Finalize the budget, schedule, and formation for each short story,Pay for the copyright all forty-five of my short stories,Pay for the graphic artist to complete the artwork for the necessary short stories,Do the same for the models after getting the contracts ready.

It may seem like a lot but not really. It’s just a matter of spreading the task across the weeks – and months. So, when it comes time to actually completing the task, everything can be done in a very timely fashion. This is going to be an amazing opportunity for all parties involved so everything has to be done correctly. I’m not looking for perfection because I’m not prefect.

November is when the first story will be released and I can’t wait.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 82. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

My First Mental Overload…I Think

I have been working nonstop for the last two months – both as a teacher and a writer. I’m on SS #37 as I write this blog post and I’ve worked a grand total of 126 hours last month with the promised heads up that I would be scheduled for more. I didn’t realize until later on that I was suffering mental fatigue. It wasn’t a good feeling.

My Wishlist For Future LGBTQ+ Events

So, for Pride Month, I decided to spend every Friday creating a Top 10 List of anything LGBTQ+ that I can think of at that moment. Just something to change the pace and make everyone smile. (For the previous list, click here, here, and here). This week, I would like to tell you guys where I plan on going for Pride in the following years. I won’t be going alone and plan on going to them all, eventually. Just so you know…I don’t have it in a particular order because that’s too hard. ha ha!

XLSIOR Festival
Shanghai Gay Pride
Buenos Aires Pride
Tel Aviv Gay Pride
Sao Paulo Gay Pride
EuroPride
Barcelona Gay Pride
London Gay Pride
Madrid Gay Pride
Belfast Gay Pride
Gay Pride Berlin
Stockholm Pride
Amsterdam Gay Pride
WorldPride (where ever it is for that year)
GayGames
LGBTQ+ Film Festival outside of America
A Gay Cruise of Any Kind

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 77. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

Interview With A Zaddy

I am a very lucky man. Well, more blessed than lucky, really. I got to have a small sitdown with Paul Charles aka The Gay Comic Geek. We are both very busy men so I was honoured to have him take a few moments out of his schedule to talk to me about his pride experience and such. I focused specifically on pride questions because I’ve been following his career path for a bit so I’m already aware of his childhood and such from interview. Now, without further ado…

[image error]1. First question, right off the bat, when did you come out and how did it go? I came out in phases. First to close friends when I was around 18. Then to all my friends around 20 years old. Finally I called my family, who were all long distance at this point but still controlling of my life and then came out to them at the age of 21.

2. When and where was your first Pride? Any memories that stood out for you? My first Pride was when I was 13. It was by accident that I had a field trip over the summer school (it was voluntary summer school to take an advanced pre-calculus class) to a space museum that had had a program for math students. However a Pride parade was going on outside and all of the class ignored the exhibit and was outside watching the parade instead.

3. Have you ever got to participate in any parade? Like on a float. Unfortunately I have never participated in any parade float. One day!

4. Given the platform that you’ve created, what’s the main thing you always want people to learn from you? From my own platform I’m just a big geek. Sometimes we’re marginalized by all aspects of society regardless of sexuality for not being jocks or the cool people. I just try to show that we love who we are and we do our own thing that may not be as common as others.

[image error]

5. You’ve had a hand in artworks, videos, vlog, reviews of all sorts. Is there anything you PERSONALLY want to do? Any projects? As for projects, I would love to collab with out YouTubers out there. WattsTheSafeWord is a great channel and I’m dying to meet up with Pup Amp and Mr Kristofer. There are a couple other vloggers that I think are wonderful and would make a great partners in a few videos.

6. Back on Pride, is there a particular Pride Parade that you have on your bucket list? I have gone to the Pride in NYC but I would absolutely love to experience San Francisco. I have never been but the city itself seems great and their Pride events seem even more spectacular.

7. Are your patreon allowed to approach you during Pride? What are the rules of engagement when hanging out with you? I have no real rules for anyone who knows me online. I encourage everyone to at least say hello. I used to always want a selfie with someone who recognizes me. It makes me feel special that anyone would know who I am out in the wild.

[image error]8. What was the worst experience you’ve had at Pride? I never had any experiences at Pride. I did have to take care of a sick friend that suddenly had some bowl issues and we left early. So far all of my experiences have been great.

9. What are some of the things you wish would change with the LGBTQ+ community? We the LGBTQ+ community have many accepting and well wishing members but there still is a blatant racist attitude to a select group that need to understand that the freedoms we enjoy today are built on the shoulders of those who came before us. The black and brown people of the world have experienced systemic racism their whole lives and have fought to be treated equal since the beginning. Without them, we would not be where we are today. They should not experience racism from the LGBTQ community as well. We are a group who have felt discrimination and [image error]the hypocrisy to do the same thing to other people needs to stop.

10. Finally, what are your future plans for your next Pride Parade? I have no future plans for Pride. This is 2020 and all of the events are have been called off. I do hope that I can attend Philadelphia Pride next year.

Thank you so much, Paul, for doing this brief interview with me. Please be sure to follow him on his many social media platform:

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/gaycomicgeek/)
Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/gaycomicgeek)
Twitter (https://twitter.com/gaycomicgeek?lang=en)
Website (https://gaycomicgeek.com/)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheGayComicGeek/)
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX8Dqg33k5eoFowg8zb1skw)
Tumblr (https://gaycomicgeek.tumblr.com/)
JustFor Fans (https://justfor.fans/gaycomicgeek?tab=videos)

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 77. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

Interview With A Zaddy

I am a very lucky man. Well, more blessed than lucky, really. I got to have a small sitdown with Paul Charles aka The Gay Comic Geek. We are both very busy men so I was honoured to have him take a few moments out of his schedule to talk to me about his pride experience and such. I focused specifically on pride questions because I’ve been following his career path for a bit so I’m already aware of his childhood and such from interview. Now, without further ado…

1. First question, right off the bat, when did you come out and how did it go? I came out in phases. First to close friends when I was around 18. Then to all my friends around 20 years old. Finally I called my family, who were all long distance at this point but still controlling of my life and then came out to them at the age of 21.

2. When and where was your first Pride? Any memories that stood out for you? My first Pride was when I was 13. It was by accident that I had a field trip over the summer school (it was voluntary summer school to take an advanced pre-calculus class) to a space museum that had had a program for math students. However a Pride parade was going on outside and all of the class ignored the exhibit and was outside watching the parade instead.

3. Have you ever got to participate in any parade? Like on a float. Unfortunately I have never participated in any parade float. One day!

4. Given the platform that you’ve created, what’s the main thing you always want people to learn from you? From my own platform I’m just a big geek. Sometimes we’re marginalized by all aspects of society regardless of sexuality for not being jocks or the cool people. I just try to show that we love who we are and we do our own thing that may not be as common as others.

5. You’ve had a hand in artworks, videos, vlog, reviews of all sorts. Is there anything you PERSONALLY want to do? Any projects? As for projects, I would love to collab with out YouTubers out there. WattsTheSafeWord is a great channel and I’m dying to meet up with Pup Amp and Mr Kristofer. There are a couple other vloggers that I think are wonderful and would make a great partners in a few videos.

6. Back on Pride, is there a particular Pride Parade that you have on your bucket list? I have gone to the Pride in NYC but I would absolutely love to experience San Francisco. I have never been but the city itself seems great and their Pride events seem even more spectacular.

7. Are your patreon allowed to approach you during Pride? What are the rules of engagement when hanging out with you? I have no real rules for anyone who knows me online. I encourage everyone to at least say hello. I used to always want a selfie with someone who recognizes me. It makes me feel special that anyone would know who I am out in the wild.

8. What was the worst experience you’ve had at Pride? I never had any experiences at Pride. I did have to take care of a sick friend that suddenly had some bowl issues and we left early. So far all of my experiences have been great.

9. What are some of the things you wish would change with the LGBTQ+ community? We the LGBTQ+ community have many accepting and well wishing members but there still is a blatant racist attitude to a select group that need to understand that the freedoms we enjoy today are built on the shoulders of those who came before us. The black and brown people of the world have experienced systemic racism their whole lives and have fought to be treated equal since the beginning. Without them, we would not be where we are today. They should not experience racism from the LGBTQ community as well. We are a group who have felt discrimination and the hypocrisy to do the same thing to other people needs to stop.

10. Finally, what are your future plans for your next Pride Parade? I have no future plans for Pride. This is 2020 and all of the events are have been called off. I do hope that I can attend Philadelphia Pride next year.

Thank you so much, Paul, for doing this brief interview with me. Please be sure to follow him on his many social media platform:

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/gaycomicgeek/)
Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/gaycomicgeek)
Twitter (https://twitter.com/gaycomicgeek?lang=en)
Website (https://gaycomicgeek.com/)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheGayComicGeek/)
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX8Dqg33k5eoFowg8zb1skw)
Tumblr (https://gaycomicgeek.tumblr.com/)
JustFor Fans (https://justfor.fans/gaycomicgeek?tab=videos)

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 77. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

My Top 10 Favorite Gay Icon

So, for Pride Month, I decided to spend every Friday creating a Top 10 List of anything LGBTQ+ that I can think of at that moment. Just something to change the pace and make everyone smile. (For the previous list, click here and here) This week, I would like to tell you guys the ten favorite icons for the LGBTQ+ community. Just so you know…I don’t have it in a particular order because that’s too hard. ha ha!

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 77. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.