New Feature and Next Entry!

Hey guys! Just a quick update!  Well tonight I'm going to be working on the next blog and it might be done tonight or it might be done tomorrow and it is going to be about Houses in the LGBTQI community. 

Also a new video feature!  I added a video bar on the side so if you want to check out some of the videos on there from different LGBTQI Themed channels!  I hope you guys like it and remember to send in suggestions for subjects or questions you want answered to askmrjamison@yahoo.com

Thank you to all of my readers!!  And remember to check out some of the sponsor sites! Some of them are pretty useful! :-) 

Josh

Getting Involved

I'm just going to jump into this subject about how to get involved in your community.  A huge misconception is that it is boring to get involved or that it requires a lot of work but the reality is that can't be further from the truth.  Some people are made to volunteer and some people are designed to just donate money and other people are neither but YOU can still make a difference if you don't fit into the first two categories.

First off a great way to get involved is call the LGBTQI center near you possibly on your campus (you don't have to be a student to be involved at the university LGBTQI activities).  I've seen GSA, GLBU, Pride Center, Q Youth, LGBT Unite, and other similar names so just look for those.  Search for a Gay And Lesbian Alliance Center in your city or nearest big city if you have no luck in your city.  Those centers will usually have a connection to every "Queer group" around the area.  So whether your trans, gay, bi, lesbian, questioning, or intersex, you will find a group for you.

Once you find these groups start attending!  I'd say 95% of the GALA Centers and their smaller organizations within get state and local funding to support them and the more attendance they have the more funding they'll have in the future.  I've attended a few groups that I didn't exactly completely connect with or enjoy going to but the one thing that could keep me going is 1) I'd always make at least 1 or 2 friends.  2) They generally involve free food and beverages.  And 3) These groups lead to other connections that will help you strive as an individual.

Another way to get involved is to actually volunteer at your local GALA, ASN (Aids Support Network), Pride Center, or any other LGBTQI non-profit organization.  Most of these organizations are kept alive purely by volunteers.  And you can do things from just sit there and answer phones (which is great for students who have homework because you can bring your homework with you and answer the phone every once in a while) or you can man phone banks when there are important issues around (like prop 8) or even get involved in leadership for certain groups.

One group I've been a part of is called Fusion and it is in San Luis Obispo, CA.  That group has helped me to make some amazing life long friends, make a difference in my community, grow as an individual, and let loose and have a lot of fun!  If you are in your 20's then this is the best time to get involved because you will have an amazing time doing it!

I hope these few basic instructions help you guys get involved and if you have any issues finding a center in your area and are interested in getting involved or maybe want to hear about other ways feel free to email me at askmrjamison@yahoo.com and I'd love to help you out!

Josh

Brand New Blog

Welcome to my blog! My first entry is to explain a little bit about this blog and myself.  First of all my name is Josh and I decided to start this blog for a few reasons.  The first reason is ultimately outreach towards members of the LGBTQI community.  I have always been a person that my friends go to for advice and I have gone through alot in my 22 years of existance on this planet.  The second reason is I love writing and have always loved to write about my experiences and about others.  I feel that providing this blog for members of the LGBTQI community (And even our straight allies) will give an open forum and resource for members of all walks in the community.  In the Queer community we lack a unity between the Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered, Intersex, and Queer members.  We segregate ourselves by our own accord and one goal of this blog is to show that all of us have issues and that all of us are going through the same things on a daily basis.  We are all different but that difference is what makes us all the same.

Now a little bit about myself.  My name is Josh and I have a wonderful partner of 2 years and we are happily in a committed relationship.  I have been out for 7 years now, completed 2 1/2 years of college, managed a nationwide Real Estate company, volunteered at numerous LGBT clinics, outreach groups, educational groups, as well as safer sex education.  I have a passion for helping other people and love to make a difference in people's life.

Now onto the good part.  You know a little bit about me and why I created this blog and so now I am going to give you the email address for any questions you may have.  I am going to commit to answer the questions posed daily (M-F and most weekends).  Remember all subjects are accepted and no question will go unanswered.  Thank you for your support and feel free to visit some of our sponsors!

-Josh