The 12 Gays of Christmas [Part 2] — Presented by Gay Men & Blog
By: Armando Sánchez
Tags: Gay, Christmas, Inspiration, Creative, Community

The 12 Gays of Christmas [Part 2] — Presented by Gay Men & Blog

In this 2-part article, you’ll hear from gay writers, podcasters, artists, life coaches, and storytellers whose work spreads joy, inspiration, and community. They share the mission behind their work, what has surprised them about their creative journey, tips for other gay creatives, and what we can look forward to from them in the near future.

Click here for part 1 to see the first half of The 12 Gays of Christmas!

7. The Spiritual Gayz

Project type: Podcast, classes, workshops

Creators: Angel Lopez (he/him) & Brandon Alter (he/him)— Healers, husbands, astrologers, mystics

Inspiration & mission: The Spiritual Gayz are here to create a safe space for all people (but particularly our LGBTQIA+ family) to explore their spiritual curiosity. We strive to demystify the mystical and teach spiritual skills that actually work.

The level of emotional connection that we feel with people outside of our daily lives has impacted us profoundly. We feel so lucky to be growing this heartfelt community and are inspired by the vulnerability and courage of our students and clients.

Advice for creatives: Being yourself, your whole self, is the most powerful magic you have. Don’t diminish your humanity or try to sell something you think the world wants — create what you wish you had when you were growing up. Honor your own creative needs first and center yourself as the hero of your life’s journey!

Up next: 2021 will have lots of exciting online Tarot and Astrology courses, potentially an in person retreat (if all goes well) and some very exciting guests coming onto the podcast. In addition, Angel will be venturing into more forms of media like TV and Film.

Connect: thespiritualgayz.com | @thespiritualgayz @ariessoul329 @thebrandonalter (Instagram, Twitter)

8. A Night of Love

Project type: Virtual Show

Creator: The Mahogany Project (he/him) — Storyteller

In partnership with Whatsinthemirror

Inspiration & mission: I wanted to write a series that dove into what it means to be a black man that loves other black men. I wanted to highlight the intersections of issues that we face with our identities and who we are. Black men loving black men is and will always be a revolutionary act.

The fact that so many people feel connected to my work is the most surprising. When people come up to me after a show and tell me they felt the connection or that I wrote what they’ve been feeling, it surprises me every time. I feel honored to be able to have a gift that connects with other folks. Especially with queer people of color.

Advice for creatives: Be true to who you are. Be true to your art. Be true to the culture and creativity. I think it’s easy to compare and get lost in what others are doing, but you have to remain steadfast in your own story and your own artistic mediums. Always remain true to your spirit.

Up next: Our group is putting together some alternative artistic shows in light of COVID. Different ways to expose our work to the masses. Follow our social media for updates!

Connect: themahoganyproject.com | @mahoganyproject (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)

9. Queer Conscious

Project type: Life coaching & virtual community

Creator: Nathan Serrato (he/him) — Queer mindset coach

Inspiration & mission: Queer people grow up in this world being taught to hide and make themselves small. My goal through my work is to help queer people feel seen, connected, and valued in way the world constantly teaches them otherwise.

I’m always surprised at the common thread of the experiences and understanding that ties together people in the lgbtq+ community. In every event it’s amazing to see just how needed it is to have intentional spaces for the queer community outside of bars and dating apps.

Advice for creatives: As scary as it is to create and put yourself out there, each time you do, you’ll reveal a more honest and empowered version of yourself.

Up next: You can expect more events from me that explore opportunities for deeper healing on experiences that seem a little more taboo or difficult to open up about.

Connect: queerconscious.com | @queerconscious (Instagram, Facebook)

10. Yo Soy Podcast

Project type: Podcast

Creator: Alejandro Victoria (he/him) — Podcaster

Inspiration & mission: Growing up I always looked for role models and stories of people who looked like me — Latino and Gay. It wasn’t in mainstream media and I felt like I didn’t belong. My goal to start Yo Soy as a podcast was to help share the stories of inspirational individuals who were queer and Latinx. I always have hoped that a younger version of myself would listen and feel like they are not alone and inspired to be their true authentic self.

I’m surprised by positive reactions and regular listeners. I think sometimes when you’re passionate about a project or piece, you work hard and don’t realize others are consuming that and that it is making an impact. I will have people message me and say they listen to the podcast and they didn’t know about a certain lived experience or they related to a guest and loved the conversation.

Advice for creatives: Be yourself. I know that sounds like a cliche, but I think it really rings true. I keep thinking what I want Yo Soy to turn into and I keep doing a lot of introspection on what I am passionate about and who I am vs what I think can sell or get marketed well. When you are creating from a place of passion, it shows. All else falls into place after that. Finding your voice is super important because that is what people want to hear. Your voice through whatever medium you choose to use.

Up next: I really plan on growing and expanding Yo Soy. Format changes for the podcast are on the horizon. I’ve also been interested in growing Yo Soy as a potential blog as well. In 2020 I launched a website for the podcast and in 2021, I hope to include more things on the website for Yo Soy listeners and future readers. 2021 will be very exciting for Yo Soy!

Connect: yosoypodcast.com | @YoSoyPodcast @RealAlejandroV (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)

11. Gume Laurel III

Project type: Books

Creator: Gume Laurel III (he/him) — Writer

Inspiration & mission: Growing up, it was hard to find characters in stories that I could fully relate to because they never looked like me. At best, there would be a brown, stereotypical supporting character to the never-not-white main character -and a gay character was practically non-existent. This has pushed me to create stories with characters for all audiences. The mission behind my work is to provide a safe space in stories where underrepresented audiences can see themselves as the main character.

I’m surprised by our tendency to be equally as damaging towards allowing gay/queer-friendly spaces, because we tend to advance gay/queer spaces that are exclusive to certain body types and traditionally masculine behaviors. If we want others to be welcoming of us, we need to first be welcoming of ourselves.

Advice for creatives: Stay true to the honest parts of your story, not just the page-turning, victorious moments. There is something to be said for the beauty of the ugly, because that’s where we are most human. And that’s where we are most relatable to others.

Up next: “Maybe. Just Maybe.” a poetry book, 2021. I’m also hoping to move forward with a couple young adult novel projects, so stay tuned for that!

Connect: gumelaurel.com | @tx.author (Instagram)

12. Evoco Center/GerleMen Podcast

Project type: Life coaching with GBTQ men; Podcast

Creator: Mike Gerle (he/him) & Garrett McClure (he/him) — Creative director & CEO, respectively.

Inspiration & mission: Evoco Center is the culmination of my personal hero’s journey from oppression to celebration. The primary purpose is to help men see that their life has been a hero’s journey, as well. All the obstacles they have faced can be reframed as wisdom-building life experiences, rather than debilitating episodes that leave them at the mercy of the world.

I was taught about impermanence, grief, and loss during the plague of AIDS. It’s a life lesson that shows the ability for a truly tragic circumstance to be transformed into communal wisdom and dignity. Our response to that challenge left me with dignity, humility, and a belief that anything is possible when we own our own worth individually and come together collectively as a community.

I’m surprised by the level of suffering still experienced by so many GBTQ men today. As a 55 year old gay, I’ve seen a lot. With all of the legal victories we’ve won, I somehow thought the country’s culture and our individual hearts would heal, as well. As it turns out, moving from oppression, to tolerance, to acceptance, to liberty, and even celebration has not been enough for most GBTQ men to release the internalized oppression installed into our conscious and unconscious minds.

Advice for creatives: Step into your discomfort. Our addictions to our phones, to food, to alcohol, to sex, to rage, all stem from the desire to avoid our discomfort and suffering. When we face those demons we capture the wisdom they have for us. If you are looking for inspiration to create something epic, open your heart to your suffering. Instead of reaching for your phone, feel that anxiety, grief, loneliness, rage, or however your demons present themselves. It can be just one full cycle of breaths, but it’s important that you soften your armor and let it in. When you make friends with your demons they will teach you the things you need to learn to give yourself a break, to open your authentic heart, and reveal the path that is meant for you — the path you deserve.

Up next: We are offering the following classes:

The Evoco Center will be located in the Palm Springs area. Offerings will include yoga, meditation, discussion groups, celebrations, training, silent areas, food, phone-free hangouts and a spa.

Connect: EvocoCenter.com, GerleMen Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts | @evococenter (Instagram), facebook.com/EvocoCenter

BONUS! — Rainbow: A Medium publication dedicated to the queer experience

Project type: Online publication

Creator: Jordan Becker (he/him) — Writer

Inspiration & mission: I started Rainbow to establish a space for people to discuss the queer experience, both for those in the queer community who need a safe place to express themselves, and for those outside the queer community who have questions and want to learn.

I’m pleasantly surprised by the enormous variety of queer perspectives, and the underlying solidarity throughout the queer community.

Advice for creatives: Create something. Get your voice out there. You have one, and someone out there needs to hear it.

Up next: Visual media! Short films, TV shows, visual poetry.

Connect: jordanbeckermedia.com | Jordan Michael Becker (Medium), @jordnbeckr (Instagram, Twitter)

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This blog is dedicated to the growth and empowerment of gay men to lead a life of love and fulfillment. Read more articles at Gay Men & Blog on Medium or by clicking below. Follow to receive notification on future articles!

The 12 Gays of Christmas Part 1 | Improving Our Dating Experience | Interview With Mariano Pintor |Writing for Our Healing and Growth | Dear Fathers, Your Gay Sons Are Hurting | Putting an End to Ghosting | Redefining “Coming Out” | Radical Self-Love | Voting Trump Out | Anti-Blackness | Self-Care | Emotional Numbing | Complicated Faith | Body Confidence | Body Image | Loneliness | Self-Talk | Self-Worth Part 2 | Self-Worth Part 1

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