Everyday Musings

Mum, Dad… I’m a blogger.

by  •  • 6 Comments

Ok so I’m a blogger. No sense in beating around the bush about it.

But you guys already knew that.

This blog is a huge part of my life, I often get messages on Grindr and Instagram from people who read the blog. I get recognized in clubs and at Mardi Gras and it’s hard not to find a Speedo clad picture of me anywhere, but for the most part very few people in my regular life know of or at least acknowledge it’s existence.

Most people I encounter view it with a quiet curiosity and amusement when they find out. They just don’t quite get it. Many people are curious about how and why I would choose to share so much online, and indeed sometimes I wonder too. I have always been reasonably open about my blog but even I get a little embarrassed when my friends mention it. When I go on dates and the topic of interests comes up I most guys are a little surprised when I tell them about the blog. I think secretly they may be worries about making an appearance. Nobody wants to get a bad review.

It’s because deep down inside there is still a part of me that squirms when I think about my friends seeing me in my underwear. I guess that there is a kind of security for me when sharing with strangers rather than people who I know in my everyday life.

I think there is still a nerd factor associated with blogging. Like I said most people look at me with quiet amusement half expecting have my own “leave Britney alone” video on Youtube or a Perez like bitch fest. But that’s just not how I roll. My blog is a thinly disguised attempt at validation through exhibitionism and positive life messages.

I have in the past made a point of not posting my blog articles on my personal Facebook. I never really examined why until today when I posted an the article “Why have Pride” to my own Facebook page.

So this is me coming out all over again as a blogger. Out and Proud with Blogger Pride.

 

 

  • John

    There’s got to be a story behind your description of all this as “a thinly disguised attempt at validation through exhibitionism”. God knows there have been a few people over the last few years that have dissed you, but the overwhelming concensus must be that you have as much validity as anyone else walking this planet. So there must be a lot of insecurity lurking behind your sunny exterior, the sort of insecurity that compells you to parade your physical beauty at the earliest opportunity. Sure, that will attract gawkers of all stripes. But in the end what will commend you is your inate decency and your art. You needn’t be insecure about that. All the aphorisms about positive thinking, etc., are not the sort of yardsticks by which each of us measures his progress. We validate ourselves to ourselves through professional accomplishment and a sense of security that comes, more often than not, by the assurance of belonging. I don’t think many sensitive young men have achieved that state at age 25, but you are proceeding at light speed. It will be interesting to check your self-validation index two years from now.

  • FanofShannon

    Shannon, I don’t think you need validation from me, but if
    you want my validation you certainly have it.

  • http://twitter.com/podoli Podoli

    Shannon,
    We are glad you are out and proud (in many ways). I always look forward to your blogs, tweets, photos, sage advice, etc. etc.
    Keep on rolling!
    Podoli

  • http://skyler.me Skyler Sweet

    Being a blogger is so difficult to describe in words because it is such a multi-dimensional medium. I wish I had more real life friends that were bloggers. Anywho…I gotta get back to my blog redesign… it’s in peices right now. ;p

  • Matt

    This is cool to read. I’m glad you do have a blog cos I don’t feel so bad. Not that I have a blog – I have a diary, since 2004 that certain ex’s have found out again and blasted me for, but it’s just nice to have somewhere to go and write my thoughts down, away from the facebook friends. Only a certain few know about it who don’t judge me, and that’s hard to come by.
    Great work on the blog btw.

  • Oslo Cole

    I too have a blog and sometimes am ashamed of what people may find out about me through it. That being said, there’s something liberating to blogging and i for one am inspired by yours. Thank you for your willingness to put yourself out there and for inspiring me and others to do the same. Check out my blog sometime if you get a chance. I borrowed your “hottie of the week” idea, but with a slight twist. Thanks again! http://oslos30th.blogspot.com/