I signed up for two blog hops taking place at the same time, but I just couldn't pass up the "Equal Rights Blog Hop". So, since there are two hops, I'm offering two prizes, but you only have to comment once to take part in both.
First of all, happy 4th of July, those who are celebrating :) Secondly, What does being a member of the GLBT community means to me?
I'm part of the GLBT writing and reading community, but I also have my little toe in the Icelandic GLBT community. I'm heterosexual (or a 1 on the Kinsey scale), but I am a member of the Samtökin 78, the only Icelandic GLBT organization, as a supporter. One affects the other. Since I started reading and writing M/M fiction, I've become increasingly active in GLBT rights over the web. I am a member of the organizations educational committee, so I am now able to get my ideas across, and possibly into action. My focus is on the schools. I want GLBT children to be able to feel safe in schools and not fear rejection and bullying. I was bullied as a kid, but like for most kids, it came out of nowhere and there was no tangible reason behind it. GLBT kids, on the other hand, know they run the risk of being bullied if the come out. I guess, to answer the question, I get a good feeling of trying to help make the world a safer place, whether it be trying to make things better for Icelandic GLBT kids or spreading the message about massacres of GLBT people in far away countries.
Now, my prizes are a choice between A Life Without You or Absolutely Eric for two commenters (the third will be out this summer, Black Hurricane!). Please provide your email address with your answer, or send me a message at eripike at gmail dot com if you don't want your email out there for everyone to see. I will randomly draw, contact, and announce the winners on July 9th.
To visit the other blogs in the When Sparks Fly blog hop, please click this link (there are 10 M/M authors in this hop, we're marked with {m/m} under our names).
I am so glad you are participating. IT is so important to have the same rights.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
Equal Rights is an amazing reason for a Hop! So glad your participating! wendynjason04 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway and for participating.
ReplyDeleteschan26.wisc(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for participating and getting the message out there
ReplyDeleteandertonheather@yahoo.com
Thank you for participating. I'd like to enter
ReplyDeleteyinyang1062 at yahoo dot com
thanks
Thanks for the giveaway and for participating.
ReplyDeleteparisfan_ca@yahoo.com
Thank you for the hops.
ReplyDeletecvsimpkins@msn.com
I'm struck by the distinction you make between I was bullied as a kid, but like for most kids, it came out of nowhere and there was no tangible reason behind it. GLBT kids, on the other hand, know they run the risk of being bullied if the come out.
ReplyDeleteI've really never thought about it like that, and I think it does make a difference -- not that I think it's ever easy to be bullied, because of course it's not. But when it comes down to something a child or a teen has to decide for themselves -- whether to come out -- especially coupled with something they have no control over (their orientation), that must be a recipe for guilt, wondering "did I bring this on myself"? if they come out and are bullied, or "am I being a coward?" if they don't, for so many of them.
Count me in!
ReplyDeleteChristopher Hammel
christopherhammel@yahoo.com
Thanks for being part of both hops
ReplyDeleteWolphcall(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I could have sworn I posted here yesterday but I don't see my comment.
ReplyDeleteAnyway hopefully it'll work this time. Thank you for participating in both hops and spreading awareness for equality.
H.B.
humhumbum AT yahoo DOT com
Thanks for both hops.
ReplyDeletesstrode at scrtc dot com
Thanks for participating in the hop. Count me in please :)
ReplyDeletepenumbrareads(at)gmail(dot)com
Your work for the kids is wonderful! Every child should have the chance to grow up happy and safe. Thank you for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
caroaz [at] ymail [dot] com
Thanks for your time, Erica! I'd love to be included.
ReplyDeletelena.grey.iam@gmail.com
Thank you for participating in both hops.
ReplyDeleteskpetal at hotmail dot com
Thank you for your blog post and for participating in the hops! Please count me in. Thanks!
ReplyDelete-Marie
awindandbooks at gmail dot com
Thanks for your blog post and for participating in the hops. I agree that more needs to be done for GLBT children to be able to feel safe in schools and not fear rejection and bullying.
ReplyDeleteromanczukc at yahooo dot com
I love how your interest in the M/M genre lead you to be a GLBTQ supporter in your country. That's awesome! akasarahmadison[at]gmail[dot]com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great contest. I already have A Life Without You so I only need Absolutely Eric if I was lucky enough to win. :)
ReplyDeletecarolcobun at yahoo.com
Thank you so much for sharing and participating in two hops!
ReplyDeleteSophie
SophieBonaste at gmail dot com
Now you have me wanting to visit Iceland. :) Thanks for the hop(s).
ReplyDeleteLasha
mslasha@gmail.com
Thanks so much for participating Erica!
ReplyDeletetiger-chick-1(at)hotmail(dot)com
Hi! Great looking books!! Thank you for the fun hop and giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteshadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks so much for the opportunity!
ReplyDeletefarmaki(at)live(dot)com