Happy Blog-o-versary! One Year and Counting

Wow! It's hard to believe that it's been a year since I started this little operation. So much has happened. I've met so many great people and opened a new chapter in my life.

I wanted to write something about what it's been like writing this blog and how it's evolved over the last year, but it all comes out sounding too pretentious. Suffice it to say that I've really enjoyed the process. I've met some really cool people, made some amazing friends and gotten more involved with the Roanoke LGBT community than ever before, because of this little project of mine. It has been an immensely rewarding experience for me.

I've tried to cover a wide variety of topics and to keep the blog entertaining. There are times when other LGBT blogs may be covering a story that I haven't covered. It may be that I don't find the story as compelling as they do or that I don't feel that I can add anything more to what's been said by others. That's a big part of why I have the blog roll and links section on the right sidebar. A lot of bloggers just include a list of links to sites they like. My links included a blurb about what the lead stories are for the blogs I like. That way if you don't see a particular story covered by me, you can still find it on one of the links. Since the beginning I've wanted my site to be a clearing house for a variety of information from a variety of sources.

The really great thing about writing this blog is that I can write about the things that are important to me, but also are important to our community. I don't have to answer to an editor or kowtow to some industry, like I used to back in the day.

There are a lot of LGBT bloggers and activists who try to get you to think what they think and act in a way that they think you should act and if you don't, they'll try to diminish your passion for the cause or make you feel like your point of view is somehow less valid. I will never do that here. I do want you to learn as much as you can about the issues, get involved in your community and I will nag you to vote in every election. I will tell you what I think about an issue and try to challenge you to think outside the box. I can be brutally honest and I make no apologies for that. I welcome a spirited debate on the issues and encourage you to share your comments.

Thank you for making this an amazing year. I hope you'll stick with me on this journey.