Saturday 17 May 2014

Hop Against Homophobia And Transgender...

This hop is meant for a good cause and I believe bringing awareness to the fact that not everyone is out with pitchforks in the medieval style hunt on all things that HAHAT stands for. Yes… people get ticked off that we offer give-aways and prizes, but to me this is just something we hoppers are doing to say thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read our thoughts on the matter.

So yes I am offering up to two people free copies from something from my back list in books. To gain such gifts all you need to do is leave me a comment with your contact details, and the name of the book should you be the lucky winner… you will be in the draw twice if you are in my followers list… so feel free to join my list of followers if you like...Also telling me that your also in my list might help too. Though, my major prize is a $25 Amazon Voucher… or… Bookstrand, as they are the only two places I know how to send out gift vouchers from. I’m old school so my winners will be picked by the never failing pull a name out of the hat method.

I think you should all check out for yourselves the website for the International Day Against Homophobia And Transphobia they can explain things so much better than I ever could. They have important information if you have the time to take a moment to navigate their site and read what’s on offer. You can eve find them on their facebook page IDAHAT—The Global Page

Also I think it’s a fantastic idea for you to go and check out all the other wonderful people who are taking part in this hop here is the HAHAT blog where you can find links to everyone else…

Now for my actual post: Bear with me as I have a tendency to ramble—a lot. Those of you who visited my site last year will already know this about me.

I’m a big believer in all people are created equal. I also believe we should all have equal rights when it comes to marriage or just the laws in general. I never understood how certain people think it’s okay to make rules and provide judgement on people they don’t even know—seems idiotic to me.

Having said that think we should discuss what phobias against any sort of sexual orientation means. To me love is love and what package the person comes in shouldn’t matter.

I have a couple of friends where after meeting these men they didn’t feel comfortable telling me they were gay—even though I had already guessed the first day I met them. I didn’t push them for confirmation on their sexuality preferring them to come to tell me naturally—more than likely after they had gauged my reaction. Truthfully I didn’t mind at all.

Eventually they told me, but it wasn’t until after they found out what sort of books I write—MM paranormal and romance. I’ve never been one to hide away what I do. Mind you, I can understand why there is that need for some. I’m more the take me as I am and I will return the favour.

I think as individuals the human race is smart but sling s all together and we form mob mentality… and too willingly follow the lead of others even if they are raving bigots. So I’m telling you for the love of Mike—grow a set, and make up your own minds about people. Don’t get your hate on just because some drongo tells you, you should. No one knows you better than you do yourself so why in the hell would you listen to what people who don’t think you fit what they believe is normal… again I have to say, who the hell are they to decide?

One of the things I can’t stand is people who spout bullshit for religious reason against Homosexuals, Lesbians, Transgender, and Queergendered people. Honestly, unless Jesus/Allah/Buddha or any other religious entity turns up on my doorstep to tell me differently, then I’m never going to believe such loving people would never turn against someone all because of who they choose to love. The mere thought to me is inconceivable.

If only one thing comes out of this hop—I hope it’s that you might be able to see people as no better and no worse than you are. Maybe even smile at a person because you never know when a smile or a kind word of understanding could stop a tragedy from occurring. Too many times we have heard of people ending their own existence because of how people look down on them and speak in hatred just because their sexual orientation doesn’t fit the norm. Seriously, what is normal anyway?

Am I normal? Not hardly… but that’s the thing that makes the world so wonderful. If we all were the same then life would become boring—we need the diversity each and every one of us offers… just to make life a tad more interesting.

I’m not gay… nor am I a lesbian… I’m not transgender… or even queergender… what I am is human. I don’t think I’m a better person than anyone else I meet. I’m happy to take you as you are as long as you are honest with me—and yourself. I think what I’m trying to say here is be who you are… more so be proud of who you are. Don’t let anyone get you down because they’re too blind to see what a truly wonderful person you are. When life gets too much always remember that’s somewhere in a little part of Queensland, Australia, there’s a person who has your back. We may never meet face to face or even talk to each other in any way shape or form. Just know that I believe in you… I think you are perfect just the way you are.

You are truly meant to shine—not conform to the wants of others.

Thank you all for taking the time to stop by my blog and reading what I have to say. You may not agree with me, but I think you are all awesome anyway.

82 comments:

  1. HI NJ,

    great blog post. Totally agree with it. Hugs

    Danny
    dannyfiredragon at aol.com

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  2. Sweet I always worry that I ramble too much... for the rest who leave comments if I don't reply to them today it's because I'm out I have errand to run in Toowoomba... I will answer you all tomorrow.

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  3. Not rambly at all, babes. Great post straight from the heart.

    Erica
    eripike at gmail dot com - which book? Living in Shadows, of course ;)

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    1. Thanks... My head still isn't in the game, but getting better.

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  4. Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by... just subbed Toowoomba Boys 3: Dancing With Demons.

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  5. great post :)
    Living in Shadows sounds awesome

    leetee2007@hotmail.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by.. the boys from The Lines of Marsden rule my heart.

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  6. I totally agree with you! Great post!
    Rules are Meant to be Broken
    aegger.echo @ yahoo .com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by... I really enjoy being in this hop.

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  7. This is probably my favorite Hop of the year :)

    I chose Blessed With a Curse

    penumbrareads(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Forgot - I'm also on your mailing list :)

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    2. LOL you are one person I actually remember is in my mailing list... thanks for stopping by.

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  8. This is very moving for me. Just lost my sister who was a lesbian. I miss her so much. No matter what people said to her about being with someone of the same sex she proudly held her head up. She was a great inspiration to all of us. This is a wonderful blog post <3
    kittyissweet@gmail.com

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    1. I must admit I grew up with gay people in my life and never ever saw them as anything other than people.

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  9. great post :D

    beeheeleyatgmaildotcom

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    1. Thanks Bron, congrats on your release for Moonlit Wolves.

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  10. great blog post. Totally agree with it.

    parisfan_ca@yahoo.com

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  11. Excellent post and, as a fellow Aussie, I had to smile at the term 'drongo' :) Great to see so many people participating in this hop.

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    1. To tell the truth, Zathyn... I've known quite a few drongos in my time.

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  12. Love the post! Thanks for the chance!

    Blessed with a curse sounds awesome!

    crystal_2_18(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and hop you enjoy the rest of the hop.

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  13. Enjoyed your post! Blessed With a Curse sounds like a good I would like. caddyauthor(at)gmail(dot)com

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  14. Wonderful post. Thanks for the giveaway. :)
    nomoretears00 @ hotmail.com

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    1. Thanks, I'm just glad I remembered to post... life is hectic at the moment.

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  15. So much love for both you, and this post. <3 you, Nj.

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    1. Hugs back, Babe... Did I tell you I just got your Xmas card so am wondering is it late or are you just getting in early...LOL.

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  16. Great post. I love how you ended with this "You are truly meant to shine—not conform to the wants of others." No truer words. Thank you for taking part in the hop and for helping to spread awareness.

    Rules Are Meant To Be Broken sounds like a good read.

    humhumbum AT yahoo DOT com

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    1. No worries, always willing to take part in something I feel strongly about.

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  17. Great post. I'm a follower. Thank you for the giveaway.
    marsh10(at)netzero(dot)com

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  18. I have to say I would go with blessed with a curse.

    rojoroaors@yahoo.com

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  19. Great post & giveaway.
    rockybatt@gmail.com

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  20. Thank you for the post I think sometimes people forget we are all human and should have equal rights no matter what.
    "Blessed With A Curse" and I'm a follower.

    ShirleyAnn@speakman40.freeserve.co.uk

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  21. Thanks for the wonderful post! I agree, I don't think God would condemn someone for who they love.

    Blessed with a Curse and I'm now following you :)

    jasdarts@hotmail.com

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    1. Exactly so until the great man upstairs tells me differently I'm going to make my own choices.

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  22. Thanks for the beautiful post and the chance to enter! I would love to win a copy of Blessed With a Curse! wendynjason04 at gmail dot com

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  23. What a concept - we are all human - PERiOD. I totally agree with you, thank you for participating in this HOP. Christmas time at Papa Lees is on my wish list.
    Cinders1964@hotmail.com

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  24. Thanks for participating in this wonderful hop. Should I win, I'd love to have the Sons of Evenmore (Book 1). I'm now an email follower: michelle_willms at yahoo dot com.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by... Sons of Evenmore is a story I wrote backwards. I started at the last series instead if the first series.

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  26. I loved your comment as I have believed in this for years. "I’m happy to take you as you are as long as you are honest with me—and yourself."

    I will choose one of the books if I win.

    ladyunwritten[AT]gmail[DOT]com

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    1. I think honesty is always best... fool me once-shame on me...fool me twice-shame on you... fool me a third time and that's it were done.

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  27. Great post, N.J.
    One day we will indeed see each other as just people and celebrate our uniqueness.

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  28. It's always humbling to see the scope of human experience in the stories on this hop! ANGELS ON TOP would be great if I win...

    vitajex(At)Aol(Dot)com

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  29. This is an amazing cause. My daughter and I thank you. Blessed with a Curse sounds great.

    debby236 at gmail dot com

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    1. Yes this is a truly wondrous cause... the other to me is the R U OK day (always held on the second Thursday in September--this year 11 September 2014).

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  30. Fab post, NJ!

    "Rules...", please, should I be lucky.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by.. and good luck in the draw.

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  31. As another 'ally' I commend you. There needs to be support in as well as outside of the community. thank you for being part of the hop. lena.grey.iam@gmail.com

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  32. Equal rights is all anyone once, Thanks for saying what you did.
    red_tigergirl2(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I speak the truth as I see and believe it to be... that's all we can do...thanks for swinging by to take a look-see.

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  33. Wonderful post. I may be straight as an arrow, but that doesn't mean I can ignore the world, eh?

    As for book, I'd pick The Crimson Grimoire. Thanks!
    ashley.vanburen[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. That we can't - if we sat by and did nothing I think the world would implode... thanks for stopping by.

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  34. Great blog post & I'm on your mailing list :)

    Deborah H
    Deborahhansen52@yahoo.com

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    1. Thank you for stopping by and have added you twice to the mystical and all knowing hat for the prize draw.

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  35. Love is love... great post. This is a wonderful hop.
    If I'm lucky enough to win - Rules Are Meant to Be Broken.

    Mhupp20032003(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. It's awesome that you stopped by... good luck with the draw.

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  36. Lovely post! I would love to read all your books but to choose just one...Blessed with a Curse stands out the most. Thanks for the chance to win :)
    raynman1979(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks for the compliment on the books... and good luck in the draw... thanks for taking the time to stop by for a look-see.

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  37. I love this Hop, and really enjoyed reading your post!

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    1. Thank you so much, for stopping by, but did you realise you forgot to leave your contact details? I suppose I can always leave you a message on your blog should you win.

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  38. Nice of you to share and participate

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  39. I agree with everything you said, but also have some friends who wouldn't. And that's ok that they don't agree, as long as they don't try to take someone's rights because of their beliefs. Thankfully, none of my friends are like that or they wouldn't be my friends in the first place! Thanks for joining the hop!

    nidabland@msn.com

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    1. I have friends who think the same way - I say to them should they ever start: don't preach to me and I won't preach to you. So far its worked. Thanks for dropping in.

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  40. Loved your post so much!
    shayla.mist@gmail.com

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    1. Thank-you, and thanks for stopping by to take a look-see.

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  41. Great post and I so agree with you.
    sstrode at scrtc dot com

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