Friday, October 30, 2015

Etsy Pride (9): Rainbow Candle and Necklace


The holidays are fast approaching, so make sure you are keeping an eye out for suitable gifts for all those people in your life!


How cool is this candle? It's a Rainbow Mosaic Pillar Candle from Cosmic Candle Co and you can get it for just $9.99!! The shop says it has a burn time of 60-80 hours. Nice! If you don't want the rainbow, you can always go for a single color too!


I've never seen a necklace quite like this one. It's called Here Comes the Sun - rainbow, dove, and last drop of rain.


The last drop of rain is on the back of your neck, as you can see from the above photo. What a cool idea! You can purchase this necklace from MIXKO for $35.00 - FYI, this shop is based in London, UK.


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That's it for this week's Etsy Pride. Would you purchase either of these? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Goodreads Giveaways: Find Some New LGBT Reads!


A great way to find new LGBT+ books that are coming out (or maybe already came out) is through Goodreads, so today, I thought I'd share a couple books labeled as LGBT that you can actually win on Goodreads at the moment.

Please let me know if you enter any of these giveaways, or if any of the books interest you! I try and mostly focus on things for a YA audience on here, but for this feature, not all of of these books are labeled YA so pay attention when you check them out/enter giveaways!

All these books are currently being given away. You can find how to enter by clicking the Add on Goodreads links!


Broken Records by Lilah Suzanne - add on Goodreads


An Infinite Number of Parallel Universes by Randy Ribay - add on Goodreads 

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I wanted to include books you could win, so only two today! Do either of these look interesting to you? I think they both sound great!

-Lauren

Monday, October 26, 2015

More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera


More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

Review by Lauren

source: copy from library; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: In the months after his father's suicide, it's been tough for 16-year-old Aaron Soto to find happiness again--but he's still gunning for it. With the support of his girlfriend Genevieve and his overworked mom, he's slowly remembering what that might feel like. But grief and the smile-shaped scar on his wrist prevent him from forgetting completely.

When Genevieve leaves for a couple of weeks, Aaron spends all his time hanging out with this new guy, Thomas. Aaron's crew notices, and they're not exactly thrilled. But Aaron can't deny the happiness Thomas brings or how Thomas makes him feel safe from himself, despite the tensions their friendship is stirring with his girlfriend and friends. Since Aaron can't stay away from Thomas or turn off his newfound feelings for him, he considers turning to the Leteo Institute's revolutionary memory-alteration procedure to straighten himself out, even if it means forgetting who he truly is.

Why does happiness have to be so hard?


Review: This book is just...woah! Seriously, read it now. It's not something you want people to talk to you about too much until after you've read it because there is so much about Aaron and the world around him that is not known to readers at first. He's just tried to commit suicide after his own father does the same, and he's not sure there is true happiness in the world. He wants to find it though. He spends time with his girlfriend, Genevieve, and he plays games with the same group of guys he's grown up with. It's not until he meets Thomas that he starts to feel okay again.

I think Silvera did a fantastic job describing the world that Aaron lives in. You feel like you're in the Bronx, playing manhunt with Aaron and these guys who are his sort-of-friends, including his sort-of best friend, Brendan. Aaron meets Thomas and finally knows what a true friend is like. They can hang out and just feel free, like any normal teenager. Aaron knows his feelings toward aren't "normal." He finds himself not really missing Genevieve when she's away at camp because he has Thomas, who seems to make him happier than his girlfriend does.

In the version of the world that Aaron lives in, there is a place called the Leteo Institute that can do brain surgery to help people forget horrifying or damaging events in their life. Aaron thinks it's all made up until he hears about a former friend having the surgery to forget about his twin brother, whose death was essentially his fault. Knowing this and dealing with his feelings about Thomas, Aaron desperately wants the procedure. He doesn't want to lose Genevieve and he definitely doesn't want to deal with whatever anger he might get from his sort-of friends. This aspect of More Happy Than Not is a huge part of the book, but it really helps make this story about discovering one's sexuality that more unique and poignant.

You need to read this book. You need to meet Aaron. Then let's discuss.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Let's Discuss: The Future of This Blog

 

Today I want to discuss the blog and what you want to see more of on here! I was hoping to keep up with some of the features such as Musical Mondays and Etsy Pride, but instead of doing this every week and overwhelming you, I thought each feature could be done around twice a month - probably varying weeks.

I'd really like to do more discussion posts, but I tend to get inspired by things I come across at random and that doesn't leave me much time to write a post and schedule it (as I like to do!). So, this is where you come in - what types of topics would you like to discuss?

Apart from discussion posts, what else do you want to see on this blog? I want this to be a place where people can learn as well as enjoy themselves. I want more people to hopefully comment and take part in conversation, but if you're reading, that's enough too!

Thanks to everyone who has supported this blog in whatever way - reading, commenting, etc. It's sometimes difficult to keep up with two blogs, but I think it's worth it and I'd love more ideas of what to post about. This is for all of you too!

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday: Look Both Ways



Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine 

Look Both Ways by Alison Cherry

Out: June 14th, 2016

Add on Goodreads Now!

Official Summary: A summer away from the city is the beginning of everything for Brooklyn Shepard. Her theater apprenticeship at Allerdale is a chance to prove that she can carve out a niche all her own, surrounded by people who don't know anything about her and her family of superstar performers.

Brooklyn immediately hits it off with her roommate, Zoe, and soon their friendship turns into something more. Brooklyn wants to see herself as someone who's open to everything and everyone, but as her feelings for Zoe intensify, so do her doubts. She's happier than she's ever been—but is it because of her new relationship? Or is it because she's finally discovering who she wants to be?


Why I Want to Read: First off, I think it's cool that Brooklyn is taking part in a theater apprenticeship because I love theater! I wish it was something I was good at, but alas...Beyond that, I think this sounds like a really good story of growing up and finding yourself. I hope that Brooklyn and Zoe have a good relationship; I'm curious to find out!

Monday, October 19, 2015

Musical Mondays: "King" by Years & Years


Musical Mondays is hosted by My So-Called Chaos


I found an article on Bustle called 5 LGBT Singers You Should Know About Right Now- Before They Hit the Big Time and the first artist on their list was band Years and Years, whose lead singer Ollie Alexander identifies as gay. Bustle writes that "the fact that all of their love songs feature the male pronoun is pretty cool" and I have to agree -that IS pretty cool.

I decided to feature their hit song "King" this week, but I'm sure I'll be including more of their songs on Musical Mondays posts in the future!

Share your thoughts below!

Friday, October 16, 2015

Etsy Pride (8): Beanie and LGB...Tea Mug


Another Etsy Pride! I thought I'd try and limit these to about two a month, so it doesn't get overwhelming for all of you! Please do share your thoughts below. Would you purchase any of these items for yourself or as a gift?


Where I live, the weather is really starting to turn chilly so it's definitely sweater and hat weather! Now, you can represent your LGBT pride by sporting this awesome gray/rainbow stripe beanie. The hat is $35 and is sold on Etsy by Cuteling.


I thought this LGB...Tea Mug was so super cute! It's really simple, but clever, and perfect for any tea lovers out there whether they identify as LGBT+ or are simply an ally. This mug is $15.11 and is sold by Etsy shop Scene Designs (they sell a lot of LGBT cards and gifts).

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Actress Evan Rachel Wood on Being Bisexual


The Human Rights Campaign shared a bunch of tweets that actress Evan Rachel Wood made about being bisexual and the bisexual community in general. Please visit the link to read more of what she had to say and not just the one I shared above, though that statement is really important.

It is true that people inside the LGBT community are often not as accepting of people who identify as bisexual as they should be. Some do not think bisexuality exists; instead, they think someone is simply gay and afraid to truly admit that. That's not the case for everyone. Sure, some people might say they are bisexual instead of gay or lesbian, and they are really the latter, but that's their choice. However, bisexuality does exist and there are plenty of people who find themselves attracted to both men and women.

Furthermore, I want to state that being attracted to both genders does not mean you are attracted to everyone you meet - something people who identify as heterosexual sometimes think when they hear about bisexuality. Just like a straight male isn't attracted to all women, or a lesbian isn't attracted to all women, people who identify as bisexual are not attracted to all men and women.

Share your thoughts below- but remember, be respectful!

Monday, October 12, 2015

Musical Mondays: Bria & Chrissy's "Take Me to Heaven"


Musical Mondays is hosted by My So-Called Chaos


Today I want to show you "Take Me to Heaven" by Bria and Chrissy. I'll definitely be featuring them more in the future. This duo (and real life couple) have amazing voices, great music, and some really cool videos! 

If you would like to learn more about these lovely ladies, check out their website

Please share your thoughts below - what do you think?

Sunday, October 11, 2015

National Coming Out Day

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It's National Coming Out Day! I would like to extend a huge congratulations to anyone who has come out this past year. We know it's not always easy, but it's great that you are willing to be open and true to YOU!

For those that are still not out, it's okay! There is no set time or moment that is right for everyone. Keep being yourself (as much as possible in your circumstances) and remember that help is out there if you need it.

A Couple Resources to Check Out/Support:

It Gets Better Project - website
The Trevor Project - website

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Breaking Up Point by Brian McNamara


I review a lot of books via Netgalley and one of those was Breaking Up Point by Brian McNamara. However, the blog associated with Netgalley is Shooting Stars Mag so my review is up over there today. I wanted to post about it here though because it's an LGBT New Adult novel that I would recommend.


However, I do want to note that Breaking Up Point is the sequel to Bottled Up Secret. I did not realize this going on, so make sure you read them in order! I didn't have a problem reading Breaking Up Point without knowing the first book, but I do want to go back and read Bottled Up Secret now.

Feel free to share your thoughts about these books in the comments below, but remember, the actual review for Breaking Up Point is over here.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Musical Mondays: "Happy Little Pill" by Troye Sivan


Welcome back to Musical Mondays, hosted by My So-Called Chaos

With this blog I'm focusing on LGBT + artists or songs....

Today I am sharing Troye Sivan and his song "Happy Little Pill." Troye is a Youtuber, singer, and actor from South Africa.




What do you think?

-Lauren Becker

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Welcome to LGBT History Month

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 Hello everyone! I'm so sorry that I haven't posted much this week, but hopefully you were able to go back and check out some of the last few posts, in case you missed any. Welcome to October though - or LGBT History Month. If you visit the website (where the photo above comes from) you can learn about a new LGBT icon every day this month with a total of 31 LGBT icons featured in all.

Who do you recognize in the photo? Any LGBT Icons you think should be acknowledged? The full list is on the website, but feel free to share what you think before visiting the site!