Welcome to GGH!
The idea for this blog popped into my head at about 3:30am this morning. Well, it didn't so much "pop" on its own as it was lain before me, asking to be taken on. By 4:00am, I had the template set and was making my first attempt at this introductory post. That's right - this is a well thought out project and I have put a great deal of effort into planning. Please do not be put off by the impromptu nature of this blog. I think that the idea has potential and that, given some time to develop, it could become something quite interesting.
So, how was the idea lain before me? In a fit of insomnia, I was looking to entertain myself on the internet; I usually watch South Park in such a situation. Recently, however, I have been slightly addicted to "The Gloves are Off," with Jill Bennett and Cathy DeBuono on SheWired.com. If you are unfamiliar with these talented women, shame on you! Cathy and Jill are both amazing. I could go on with this plug but the point is this: they provided the spark.
On "The Gloves are Off," Cathy and Jill discuss LGBT issues and general current events and they also include a segment called "Gay History." I was re-watching an episode where Cathy passionately argues that it's to the detriment of the LGBT community that, unlike other groups, it is are generally lacking knowledge of its own history because LGBT people are not born into their community. LGBT history has often been overlooked, unknown, or purposely squashed and it is not really as if what is known can be handed down from parents to children in the same way it would be in other cultures. History is important to the sense of identity and pride that any community holds. Also as stated on, "The Gloves are Off," it is time that people realise that being gay is not only okay but that it is fucking awesome. Sitting there, listening to that point for what was probably the third time, I decided to take a little step on this issue. I am a university student studying history and I thought that this would be a fun to take up this blog as a little hobby. Everyone should recognize LGBT history, whether they identify as being a part of that culture or not.
Let me be clear about the nature of this vlog: I am not a professional historian but a student. I'm doing this for my own entertainment in what spare time I have and my plan is to keep it casual. I am not certain if I am going to develop any sort of formula or schedule for the blog; right now, I'm thinking that I will present historical topics, profiles of gay people and allies in history and in the present, possibly an odd video clip, a current issue, and whatever else I decide to do in the moment. I will post when I have the opportunity to write. Not only will this be an interesting journey exploration ("journey" is too flowery and "exploration" feels much more active) of little discussed history, but it is an opportunity for me to try out an informal style of writing. I am used to writing in a stiff and concise academic style. So far, I'm finding casual writing ironically painstaking. As a friend said to me when I told him of this concern, "it's pretty much total class or total ass."
What else should I address? Oh, yes - this is meant to be a positive environment. I will not tolerate hate and when I come across something that I judge to be inappropriate in the comments I will remove it.
I have never run a blog before now, so please be patient with me. I welcome comments and suggestion. If you have suggestions for topics, profiles, etc. or any suggestions regarding the blog itself, please send an e-mail to the address on the blog (gaygayhistory(at)gmail.com). I welcome your thoughts.
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