Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia Giveaway

Hey, all! My thanks to everyone who's stopping by here today. For my giveaway prize, I'm offering up winner's choice of a title from my backlist in ebook. To be entered in my giveaway, just leave a comment on this post with an email address where I can reach you. And do be sure to stop by all the other great blogs taking part in this event!

I'm very happy and proud to be taking part in another "Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia." This blog hop is in honor the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. On May 17th, people from all over the world band together to spread messages of support, care, and awareness to put an end to discrimination toward people for their sexuality and gender identity.

If you've read any of my work, you know I'm all about positivity and that's what I want this post to be about. And really, it's one of the things I love about this particular hop. The authors, the readers, the reviewers, the publishers, the cover artists...everyone who takes part is doing so because they care about LGBT issues. Writing, reading, reviewing gay romance, it's about more than those steamy scenes between two men. It's about acceptance. It's about support. It's about compassion. It's about love, in all its forms, from the warmth of friendship to heated passion. It's about bringing all of those things into real life.

When I think back to how things were when I was younger, even only nine years ago when I first started writing gay romance in 2005, the world has changed so much and I'm happy to say, for the better. It hasn't been an easy change. Far from it. There's been much pain, heartache, and most tragically, victims whose lives have been lost in the fight for equality.

The changes started slow and really, still doesn't seem to be happening fast enough at times, but in the most recent years, the equality has gained so much momentum where I know, it can never be stopped. Every year, more States in the United States vote for marriage equality, same as nations around the world. Celebrities and athletes who come out receive more messages of support than scorn and stand as proud role models. More young people find defenders against bullies. And more allies join the fight for everyone to have the right to love who they're meant to love.

Is there still more work to be done? Absolutely. But sometimes it's good to pause and look back on the accomplishments and changes that have been made. It gives hope and strength to continue standing strong for your beliefs, what you know is right, and to keep moving forward. And I don't have a doubt the equality movement WILL keep moving forward. There's too much force behind it. There will be times where its met with resistance and sadly, there will always be those who try to push back progress and spit out hateful words. That's why all of us who understand that no person should ever be denied rights freely given to others need to push back harder and speak out against discrimination for the shameful thing that it is.

For all those fighting the good fight, remain tenacious. Remain strong. Combat discrimination with pride, ugliness with beauty, hate with love. And most importantly, know you're never alone.