Hey, ladies and gentlemen! It's time for another blog hop, and I'm offering up an ebook copy of a title from my backlist, winner's choice. To be entered in the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post. Please do include in your comment an email address where I can reach you. If you'd prefer to not have your email address posted publicly, you can also email me your entry privately at s.j.frost3@gmail.com The hop is running from May 17th - 20th, and I'll be announcing my winner on the 21st.
This blog hop is a little different from ones I've been part of in the past. It's for a very special cause; to raise awareness against homophobia. May 17th is International Day Against Homophobia, and this hop was organized as a way for members of the M/M writing community to join together in a demonstration of support against discrimination and to raise awareness. I'm very happy to be able to take part, and thank my fellow authors, Erica Pike, NJ Nielsen, and K-lee Klein, for organizing this. To learn more about the hop and participating authors, please go here: http://hopagainsthomophobia.blogspot.com/
As many who have followed me know, I write gay erotic romance because I'm a strong believer in love. That it's the inherent right of all individuals, and no one should be denied the happiness of being the person they're born to be, or to openly love another person. To deny individuals such basic rights, make them feel like second-class citizens, treat them with derision, tell them they need to change who they are, is a gross insult to humanity. All people are deserving of respect and kindness, and to be cherished for the unique individuals that they are. After all, as I've said many times before, it's the diversity in the world that makes it beautiful. It would be a terribly boring place if we were all the same.
I've witnessed homophobia far too often in my life. I've stood up for friends being put down for their sexuality. For myself, I had people walk out of my life for the path I'd chosen to take as an author of gay erotic romance. But I think people from your past aren't part of your present for a reason.
I've witnessed homophobia far too often in my life. I've stood up for friends being put down for their sexuality. For myself, I had people walk out of my life for the path I'd chosen to take as an author of gay erotic romance. But I think people from your past aren't part of your present for a reason.
I believe all life is precious and valuable. I believe in respect, kindness, diversity, and love. And I believe that every voice that speaks out against hate will strengthen the fight for equality, until all our voices are united in a chorus of acceptance that will drown out those who would subject others to discrimination.
And that is why days like International Day Against Homophobia exist and why so many of us are joined together in honor of it now.
I do sincerely thank and appreciate each and every one of you who are participating in the hop and for stopping by. Thank you! Best of luck to all in the giveaway!
Wonderful post! Thanks for taking part in the hop :)
ReplyDeletekimberlyFDR@yahoo.com
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it :-) And thank you for taking part by stopping by!
Delete"...until all our voices are united in a chorus of acceptance that will drown out those who would subject others to discrimination."
ReplyDeleteYes! This! None of us can afford to stay silent while some of us face discrimination. Great post!
qbeeqt@yahoo.com
Exactly right. And I believe every single voice speaking against discrimination is an important one. Thank you for supporting this cause and coming by!
DeleteThank you for posting and fighting against discrimination!
ReplyDeleteYvette
yratpatrol@aol.com
And thank you for your support, too! Everyone who takes part in this hop, both as the authors and those who visit the blogs, are all united in this.
DeleteGood post SJ. Some very astute comments
ReplyDeleteSuze
Littlesuze@hotmail.com
Thank you, Suze. I'm happy you enjoyed it :-) Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteGreat post...
ReplyDeletecontact@mchoule.com
Thank you! And thank you for visiting and reading it :-)
DeleteI am having a lot of fun reading all the stories and experiences in this blog hop.
ReplyDeleteandreagrendahl AT gmail DOT com
I'm glad to hear that :-) This really is a wonderful hop, and fantastic in it's message of acceptance and awareness.
DeleteGreat post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteBK
buffykennedy[at]gmail[dot]com
My pleasure! I'm happy you liked it :-)
DeleteThanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletegisu29@gmail.com
I was happy to :-) Thank you for visiting and reading.
DeleteI loved this line.
ReplyDelete"And I believe that every voice that speaks out against hate will strengthen the fight for equality, until all our voices are united in a chorus of acceptance that will drown out those who would subject others to discrimination"
Hopefully one day SOON our combined voices will be loud enough to stamp out hate and injustice, until then I will always be thankful for events like these.
Thank you
grumpybybirth @ gmail .com
Thank you! I'm very happy you liked the post, and I completely share in your hope. We just have to hold to our beliefs in equality and keep our voices strong.
DeleteGreat post!! You're right! We need to make our voices heard!
ReplyDeletemorris.crissy@gmail.com
Thank you! And absolutely, we can never be silent until all people are treated with respect and dignity.
DeleteYou sound like you're a great friend to have!!
ReplyDeleteraynman1979 at yahoo dot com
Aww, thanks! That's very sweet of you to say. I try my best to be :-)
Deletecompletely agree, great post, thanks
ReplyDeletephoceas at gmail.com
Many thanks! I appreciate you stopping by!
DeleteI've had several friends stop talking to me just because of what I write. As you say, they're in the past for a reason. Their loss, so far as I'm concerned.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. With the people who were in my life, when they laid out their ultimatum that I either stop writing gay romance, or never talk to them again, it fully showed me what kind of people they were. And that wasn't the kind I wanted in my life. I believe people who want to change you are people who don't really care for you.
DeleteGreat post! It's so bad that many people are so narrow-minded
ReplyDeleteThank you, Danny! It really is sad how there are so many people like that. But hopefully the more people who openly show acceptance, the more we can pry those narrow minds open a bit wider.
DeleteGreat post and I totally agree with everything you said!
ReplyDeleteineedtoread76 [at] gmail.com
Thank you so much! It's wonderful to have another voice in our chorus :-)
DeleteThank you for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteyinyang1062 at yahoo dot com
No problem :-) Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteGreat post, thanks!
ReplyDeleteJoyfullyjay @ gmail dot com
And many thanks to you for visiting and reading it :D
DeleteGreat post and a great hop...everyone's stories have been so thought-provoking already.
ReplyDeletevitajex(at)aol(dot)com
Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying the hop. It really is wonderful seeing so many come together speaking out against discrimination.
DeleteHi luv-- Thank you for being a part of the hop! *hugs* Tara
ReplyDeleteHey, Tara, dear! It's my pleasure, and thank YOU for being part of it, too *hugs*
DeleteNice to see strong ideas like this!
ReplyDeleteemail is theartistryofthebipolarbrain @ gmail . com
Thank you! I hope, very much, that my ideas, beliefs, and hopes help others feel they're accepted and part of a community that cares for them.
DeleteThank you for taking part of the hop and for sharing your voice to the outcry for equality :)
ReplyDeletejuliebites@gmail.com
I'm happy to :-) Thank you so much for stopping by and taking part and also being a voice for equality.
DeleteThank you for taking part in the hop. As I said on another blog- its a basic freedom, a basic civil right. Its utterly ridiculous that the freedom to love must be fought for.
ReplyDeletenilahikes@gmail.com
I agree with you 100%. It blows my mind that same-sex marriage is illegal in so many States. How is it that there's such a large percentage of the population that still doesn't understand all people are equal? And how is it that lawmakers haven't read the Constitution and understand that what they're doing in denying people freedom goes against everything this country is supposed to stand for? It's up to those of us who do understand to stand up against them until those civil rights are granted.
DeleteI agree with you. Love is love no matter what. Wipe that word (homophobia)right out of the dictionary.
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs!!
That's right! Such a word shouldn't even have to exist! *hugs*
DeleteI like your "No BS" attitude. I'm also glad that you had, in the past chosen to defend your friends instead of running at the first sign of trouble. You allowed your feet to develop roots and have been holding on strong to the ground. Those who love you will love you no matter what, those who can't accept what you like don't matter. Keep up the good work you're doing and never give up!
ReplyDeleteSandra Rush
taina1959@yahoo.com
http://enchantedrosegarden.blogspot.com
Thank you so much, Sandra! I learned early when it comes to those who'd like to bully and push other people around, nothing knocks them off guard faster than having someone else step in and stand up to them. Little by little, with those of us who believe in equality standing together, we'll get the bullies to back down once and for all.
Delete"Those who love you will love you no matter what, those who can't accept what you like don't matter." - Your words couldn't be truer. Thank you for your support in standing up for equality, too!
After all, as I've said many times before, it's the diversity in the world that makes it beautiful. It would be a terribly boring place if we were all the same.
ReplyDeleteI could not agree with you more!
Thank you, Kendall! I appreciate you visiting :D
DeleteHi S.J.! Thanks for sharing your story. We of the GBLTQ community are a persistant bunch. We will keep on raising awareness til everyone knows.
ReplyDeleteHey, Lena! I was happy to share :-) I agree, there's a lot of strength in the GLBTQ community. That strength combined with support from straight allies, all joining together will see a victory for equality someday!
DeleteThanks for sharing! Love is love ❤
ReplyDeletemadison1729@gmail.com
You're so very right. All love is beautiful, special, and should be celebrated, not scorned and ridiculed.
DeleteI agree with you 100 percent. So glad to see you in the hop:-)
ReplyDeletemelita332002@yahoo.com
Thank you, Leaundra! I'm very proud to take part. I'm so happy you stopped by!
DeleteGreat post, hon. Diversity is indeed what makes the world beautiful.
ReplyDelete*hugs*
K-lee
*hugs* Thank you, sweetie. What you, Erica, and NJ have done in organizing this hop and bringing so many people together is such a beautiful thing. Many, many thanks to you.
DeleteThank you so much for your post, SJ. I truly believe that our love is stronger than hate, and together we can put a stop to it. Everyone has the right to feel safe, happy, and loved.
ReplyDeleteExactly. No person should have to live in fear for being who they were born to be. All people are deserving to be themselves and be happy. And it may sound silly of me, and maybe it's why I'm a romance author, but I truly do believe that love can conquer all. And I believe it will in this, too.
DeleteThanks for sharing, I can't believe people would walk away just cause you write gay erotic romance. You should write what you want and love who you want to love.
ReplyDeletered_tigergirl2(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thank you, Sarah. It was very hard for me to understand at the time, too. Mainly because I thought they were people who cared about me, but as they laid out their opinions, refused to listen to mine, called me morally depraved and a bad mother, I knew I couldn't sacrifice my beliefs in exchange for their poison. And you know, after we went our separate ways, the world looked a little brighter to me :-)
DeleteSo true, S.J. People are still people, and that's what really matters in the end.
ReplyDeleteashley.vanburen[at]gmail[dot]com
That's it exactly. We're all just people trying to survive in this world. The least we can do is treat each other with kindness and respect.
DeleteGreat speech Shannon. Those arguments lie also behind my total support for GLBT people. World is beautiful, because everybody is different and we should cherish this.
ReplyDeleteJoan
0401romance(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you, Joan! It's always great to talk with another like mind :-) I appreciate you stopping by!
DeleteThank you S.J for that. I live in the USA and to me it seem like we are going backwards here. It saddens me that one of great powers has so many so small minded people in it!
ReplyDeleteMFierydrgn@aol.com
You're right, it's very sad that this is even an issue in the U.S. It goes against everything this country was founded on. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We can only hope that by standing for our belief in equality, someday all individuals will get to enjoy those rights.
DeleteShannon,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your lovely blog and for being one of the voices in this "chorus" today. I don't need to be entered in the giveaway. I just wanted to stop by and say how grateful I am to you and to everyone who is participating in the fight to stop homophobia. Big hugs. :D
Big hugs back to you! Thank you so much, Amanda, hon. I'm happy and proud to be part of the hop. And many thanks also for all you do in raising awareness!
DeleteI really wish Homophobia could become a thing of the past.
ReplyDeleteSheriV
smurfettev@gmail.com
I completely agree. Hopefully, we'll be able to make it so!
Delete"...people from your past aren't part of your present for a reason."
ReplyDeleteVery, very wise words.
Erica
eripike at gmail dot com
Thank you, Erica. Like I said to K-lee, you, her, and NJ, are to be applauded for organizing this hop. You've brought so many people together in such a beautiful display of support and acceptance. Very well done! Thank you, so much, for all your efforts.
DeleteBeautifully put. You hit the nail on the head about why this hop is important. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAndy
andy@amburns.com
Many thanks, Andy! I'm happy to share, and hope by doing so, it let's others know they're not alone, that there are many people who will stand beside them in their fight for freedom and equality.
DeleteWell said!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm happy you liked it :-)
DeleteRight on! Power to the people, all people! I marched for the ERA, went door to door for political causes and candidates but I'm too old for that kind of activity now. That's why I love this blog hop, I can feel a part of the cause from the comfort of my recliner.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful you've been such an activist and continue to be so! Thank you for your support in this cause, too!
DeleteWonderful post! Lets hope that acceptance of EVERY INDIVIDUAL will just grow and grow.
ReplyDeletesusanmik AT gmail DOT com
Thank you! And that's exactly my hope, too :-)
DeleteGreat post. Really wish people could just let it go and worry about something worth worrying about. You love who you love....
ReplyDeletelovingkindle@gmail.com
Thanks! And you're so right! I just don't understand why some people are so desperate to deny others happiness and love. Those are things that make the world a better place.
DeleteWonderful post and this hop is such a great idea! Thanks so much for being a part of it.
ReplyDeletesionedkla@gmail.com
I'm very happy to be a part of this special hop :-) I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it! Thank you for showing support and stopping by.
DeleteThank you for being a part of the hop, SJ! *HUGS*
ReplyDeleteBella
www.bellaleonebooks.com
It's my pleasure! Thank YOU for stopping by! *hugs*
DeleteNot here for the prize as I think I have all your works. just wanting to say thank you for taking the time to participate in this hop.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have to thank you for all the time and hard work you've put in to organizing this and bringing so many in our community together in such a strong display of support. You, Erica, and K-lee have done a very special and beautiful thing with it. I give all three you a huge round of applause and big hugs!
DeleteThanks for participating in the hop. This is a great cause that I pray one day will not be needed.
ReplyDeleteforettarose@yahoo.com
I completely agree. And it's my pleasure to be part of this. It's wonderful seeing so many coming together in such a wonderful, positive way!
DeleteWonderful post!
ReplyDeleteshadowlord28 @ gmail.com
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it, and I appreciate you stopping by :D
DeleteGlad to read your post. I love your series! Thank you for participating in this great event! Spread the word and WIPE OUT homophobia!
ReplyDeleteWade ;)
Hey there, Wade! You're so sweet! Thank you for the kind words about my books. It means a lot knowing you've enjoyed them *hugs* And I'm happy to take part :-) This has grown into such a wonderful event with all the positive messages against homophobia!
DeleteI believe in love as well.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe people would stop being friends with you over what you write. I'm FtM and starting physical transition soon. So far none of my friends have ditched me. I'm still working on the family aspect of coming out, but in that sphere things have been going better than I expected as well.
Thanks for sharing the love,
jrlannan@gmail.com
Yeah, they decided to hold their ground on their "morals", and when I stood my ground on mine, refusing to bend in order to fit the model of what they wanted me to be, the only solution was to turn our backs on each other and go our separate ways. No regrets on my end, though. Looking back, I see now how toxic they'd been in a lot of ways.
DeleteI can't tell you how happy it makes me to hear you have strong support from your friends! It's wonderful that you have them there for you. I'm glad things are going better than you expected with your family, and I'm hoping, very much, that things will continue to go that way for you. Big hugs and best wishes to you!
This was a great post, I've never seen a hop before but I'm glad I found out about this one.
ReplyDeleteburchills@gmail.com
Thank you! How cool this is your first hop! This is a really great one with so many talented authors taking part and for such an important cause :-)
DeleteI definitely agree with this post. The only way things will change is if everyone who wants to make a difference makes their voice heard.
ReplyDeleteVery true. And I think things like this hop, where so many voices are joined together, truly makes a difference. Even if it's just in showing one person out there that they have the support of so many other people.
DeleteIf everyone had a strong belief in love like you and me - the world would be a better place...*wink* keep up the good work and the wonderful writing... romancewiththeflemingtons@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Dawn! I appreciate your sweet words on my writing and you stopping by. It's always nice to chat with another believer in love!
DeleteThis. "I believe all life is precious and valuable. I believe in respect, kindness, diversity, and love."
ReplyDeleteWouldn't we all be happier if we lived this way? Thank you so much for the post and for your voice.
tmason442@gmail.com
And thank you for your support in coming by!
DeleteGreat post and a very cool site!
ReplyDeleteThank you much! I'm glad you liked the post and my site :D
DeleteThank you for being part of this hop. :)
ReplyDeleteviggnell(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm very happy to be a part of it :-) Thank you for visiting here!
DeleteThank you for being part of the blog hop.
ReplyDeleteCaity_mack@yahoo dot com
It's an honor and a pleasure to take part :-) Thank you for coming by!
DeleteI love your words of wisdom, and thank you for writing what you do. I get weary of the mean spiritedness that is still poisoning the world. You can beet if heterosexual rights were questioned they would be screaming to high heaven about their rights to love who they love. The selfishness of the human animal is what has created this terrible attack against our LGBT brothers and sisters. I will stand by them and support and love my friends as they have always made my life risher and fuller and have become part of my family whether we are connected by blood or not...*S*
ReplyDeleteThank you for the stories you right and being part of this wonderful blog hop.
Darcy
pommawolf @hotmail.com
And many thanks to you, Darcy, for your strong voice, support, and the love and acceptance you show. I love your words about "our LGBT brother and sisters", and I couldn't agree more. When any group of individuals are being denied their rights and freedoms, it takes many others to stand hand in hand with them to help in winning those liberties that should be naturally given.
DeleteI'm proud to write what I do, and to show that love is a special, beautiful gift that brings all who experience it happiness.
wonderful post...and yes LOVE is LOVE!! the GLBT community is not asking for special rights...they are simply asking for EQUAL rights!! I stand up for my Mom and her partner...My sister and hers and my brother in law and his!! I know that one day all that matters will be LOVE :)
ReplyDeleteChristy
allstarjumperstx2@gmail.com
Exactly! All the GLBTQ Community is asking for is to have the rights given to everyone else. It's terrible that they even have to ask to be treated as equals! I applaud you for standing up for your family. If only all people had someone so caring and strong as you to stand at their side.
DeleteWell written post. I agree wholeheartedly. Diversity is something to be celebrated and cherished, not reviled and hated. Thank you for sharing your views with us.
ReplyDeletetiger-chick-1(at)hotmail(dot)com
And many thanks to you for stopping by and reading my post! It makes me happy knowing there are others who also believe what a beautiful thing diversity is.
DeleteWonderful post, SJ!
ReplyDeleterhondaw1965(@)yahoo(.)com
Thank you very much, Rhonda! *hugs*
DeleteThanks for being part of this great blog hop!
ReplyDeleteOceanAkers@aol.com
It's a pleasure to be a part of it :-) Thank you for visiting!
DeleteThanks for a great post, SJ!
ReplyDeleteCourtney S
aunt_cori(at)yahoo.com
Thank you much, Courtney! I'm glad you liked it and you stopped by :D
DeleteEnjoyed the post!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being a part of the blog hop!!
Judi
arella3173_loveless(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you for stopping by and reading it! I'm glad you liked it :-)
DeleteThanks for the post, I am really enjoying the hop and hearing what everyone has to say about homophobia it is an interesting topic to be educated on.
ReplyDeletepeggy1984@live.com
I agree, this is a really wonderful hop. There are so many different stories and experiences, but they all culminate to one message; love, acceptance, and equality. I think it's beautiful seeing so many like minds gathered for this event!
DeleteThanks for the great post S.J.!
ReplyDeletevaruca25(at)gmail(dot)com
My pleasure! Thank you very much for swinging by and reading it!
DeleteThank You S. J. for being among this Very Talented Group of Wonderful Authors to participate in this Great Cause, the Hop Against Homophobia.
ReplyDeleteI believe everyone deserves to be Openly Happy in Life, to be with the Person who Loves & Completes Them, without having to be subjected to the ignorance of some close-minded people. True Love does not see Race, Gender, Socio-Economic Status, etc….if people understood that, there would be so much more Happiness in this World….We Could Hope, Right???
I would very much appreciate the opportunity to be considered in your very generous giveaway for a chance to win an ebook copy of a title from your backlist. Thank You.
Take care S. J. & Have a Great Sunday,
PaParanormalFan Renee
paranormalromancefan at yahoo dot com
I couldn't be happier to be part of this fantastic hop :-) And I couldn't agree more with your statements. You're so very right about love, and I have the same hopes as you, that someday all people will recognize that love is everyone's right and make the world a happier place by doing so.
DeleteThank you so much for coming by and sharing your beliefs. I hope you have a wonderful Sunday, as well. Hugs to you!
Thanks for participating in this hop. I'm enjoying all the great blog posts.
ReplyDeletepenumbrareads(at)gmail(dot)com
Absolutely! I'm glad to take part :D There really are so many great posts with this hop. Thanks for coming by to mine!
DeleteI'm working my way through the posts for this great blog hop! Thanks for speaking out and writing such great stories!
ReplyDeletegenniegeegp @ gmail.com
I agree! There really are tongs of great posts with this hop! I'm more than happy to speak out, and thank you so much for your kind words about my work!
DeleteI'm about to compile the list of entrants now and drop it in a randomizer to pick the winner. Thank you, so very much, to everyone who has come by to show your support for this wonderful cause!