ShuoMii Magazine

Brick House
you can’t blow me down.
I’ve built these walls too high.

Goliath himself would have a hard time
with my tenacious fortitude.

Too many men
have tried to break me.
Too many have succeeded

Left seeded
in my chest a flower so violent even wasps
don’t get near.

For I am too sweet and they over feed.
I take everything
Leave nothing.
Just bugs to be squashed

like phallic dreams in the wake of mourning.
I need to wake.
I want to see my body.

Original Article

Lots of recruiters are using LINKEDIN to find job applicants because it is much cheaper, so you need to fix up your profile. I suggest the following:

1 - Carefully word your Professional Headline, people see that second after seeing your name
2 - You must put in a picture
3 - Use the section under your picture called “Update” to let people know “if” you are job hunting
4 - Use the summary carefully and sparingly, why not put your Elevator Pitch here
5 - Make the rest of your profile, short, concise and interesting
6 - Add a couple of applications like Box.net, so you can attach your resume

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The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts; therefore guard accordingly.

Marcus Aurelius

Original Article

There is no definite answer for this. You can either email them to inquire your status or concentrate on the next available opportunity. Sometimes, employers are busy with other priorities that they may take time to make a decision, so don’t be discouraged.

Follow up! Often, hiring managers have many applications and an e-mail or phone call, can get your application to the top of the pile and, at least, get it looked at. You should follow up. They can hear your voice, which connects them to your resume. It’s only right to acknowledge someone who has interviewed though I know this is not always done. That’s why I would still encourage someone - if they really want the job or think they did a solid interview - to call and ask if a decision has been made. This will allow that person to move on or find out if there is a time frame when they can expect a decision. I tend to be rather assertive in getting information that impacts my life or career.

Original Article

When I first stumbled upon this show on LOGO, I swore it was just another show to attract more heterosexual females to the channel. It was not a bad thing, really. I believed enough people in society knew that sometimes women enjoy watching prancing drag queens, heart-wrenching gay romances and the occasional slasher movie. After watching an episode, I still was not certain because the show was about a girl asking 5 gay men some personal, erotic, and even funny questions about their perspectives on love and sex. Some questions become real personal such as:

Who from the cast would you choose as a sperm donor if you couldn’t have children?

What did the last guy you made out with taste like?

Describe the last person you had sex with in one word.

But yet, after a second episode, I couldn’t stop watching. I spent an ill-induced late night watching several of the episodes that were available on HBO on demand. What had me hooked was it wasn’t always the same group of men (but they do have an initial bunch) in every episode and they were diverse. When people think of a gay male, I bet people would instantly image a thin, white flamboyant male with an expensive hair style. On the show they show all sorts of races and the men are of a variety of sizes and looks. Some were flamboyant and wore makeup likeSantos, some were politically outspoken like Yerxa and some that could make you laugh every time like Jonathan!

As we all understand that television is for entertainment. But we also understand that television is also used to educate and inform. While, there are questions that silly and scandalous, there were also some serious ones as well. I remember that there was this episode that there was a question based on HIV/AIDS, I felt utterly sad of the suffering those men had to go through because all the men on that particular episode had the virus. They spoke of the unhealthy and careless lifestyles they used to lead and because of those actions, they were infected. Some even said that they were glad that they had the virus because they felt the moment to slow down and appreciate life. They did not wish to take it for granted anymore.

Watching this show, I believed the questions that Aliya-Jasmine also opens up the reality of what gay men think and how they feel when it comes to love and sex. I’m sure some gay men wouldn’t know how to talk about certain subjects that would be mentioned on that show in reality. Men, no matter gay or straight, don’t always talk about their feelings. Which I can understand but sometimes, especially if you are in an intimate relationship, should be able to speak about very personal ideas to one another. The men on the show want to share these feelings and thoughts about whether they have a preference in a structure of a penis on a partner to serious political issues. I can imagine the guts it would take to be on that show and to be honest.

I think anyone, men and women, gay or straight, would benefit in watching this show. Be warned— You must be comfortable with gay men’s sexuality because they definitely do not hold back. The show also gives different perspectives on love, the kind of love that doesn’t destroy. The romantic side of these men could be quite endearing. Sexuality is part of the human existence and should be allowed to be explored with no prejudice. We only have one body; we might as well feel comfortable living in it. And with this body, we should try to understand other people.

Have any you watched the show? What do you think about 5 gay men exposing their truths about romance and sexy romp experiences?

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I suspect this time, my fingers
have gone to far.

They reached inside, pulled
out something grotesque, mangled
dead.

But they became Frankenstein.
Brought life, rushed blood.

Like the monster it rose,
skin glowing with each subtle
jolt.

Now alive it throbbed.
So the fingers rushed to please

mad they became

Original Article

Have you heard about or eaten at this food chain? It looks like now we should be more aware of what different businesses stand for. Dan Cathy, the president and COO (chief operating officer) of Chick-Fil-A openly spoke of his beliefs of traditional Christian values and was on the side of anti-gay marriage. Therefore, for the big boss of this business to say this in public created an ideology that every Chick-Fil-A supports anti-gay rights. The very murky waters begins here— There are employees, managers, and store owners that are gay and gay allies but of course, this had placed them in a situation that the sales of Chick-Fil-A are increasing by the people who say that they support the religious politics of the COO. Then you have others that support him for the sake of promoting his right of free speech and freedom of religion. Unfortunately, those waters sink deeper because of what the COO donates his money to; he provides funds to anti-gay groups and ex-gay therapy.

Ever heard of ex-gay therapy? It’s a daunting process that attempts to “cure” a patient of their homosexuality through the power of religion and psychology. People whom are admitted to this therapy are given unnecessary medications and counseling because being “gay” would be considered as an addiction or a serious illness. So we are at this place where we want to agree that the COO is allowed to have freedom of speech and belief but he had used the corporate’s money to restrict freedom from others. But the COO does not run his business like a dictator; he doesn’t hire people solely based on gender, religion, politics, or sexuality. These are the feelings that owners of the locations when they had to address if it was true that homosexuals were not allowed to buy their food anymore. This business claims that they hire workers based on work-ethnic and responsibility. Yet as we also know when observing the actions of the public, the beliefs of the COO were reflected on the restaurants and not heavily on the individuals that are working in them. It’s given that in the end, some of the money made in each location goes to the main corporate building to do what they will with it.

What are your opinions based on Chick-Fil-A? Do you shop or eat at places based on their politics or their products?

Here are some LGBTQ-friendly businesses:

Starbucks

Amazon

GAP

Levi’s

Cheerios

American Apparel

Tide

Microsoft

Macy’s

Target

Ford

Walgreens

Original Article

Now that the norm is becoming an undergraduate degree, companies are ruling out 70% of the domestic population that does not possess a bachelor’s degree

(http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/education/cb12-33.html). That must be a lot of ignored talent.

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You live with the fear people might find out. Then you actually have the courage to tell people and they go, I don’t think you are gay. It’s enough to drive you crazy.
Portia de Rossi 

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Culture by definition is “the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group.” Culture can play a role in how someone views and feels about themselves. Currently, what is your confidence level when it comes to your sexuality? Do you accept yourself of it? Are you open to other people about it? Or is there a struggle between the feelings within yourself and others? These conflicting feelings can have a reflection of the cultures you grew up with and those that you chose to surround yourself with.

Race/Ethnic

When someone thinks the word “culture”, they immediately think of the biological roots they were born into. Every race and ethnicity has different perceptions of what is expected from people and how people should be. I can go into an analysis of every racial mentality and generalize, but we know what we grew up with. Instead, I will list the pros and cons that happen when grown up in a culture that heavily depends on the culture of the race or ethic.

Cons

-Short-sightedness. If you happen to be gay and open about it, and your family was hardly confront by gay people, they may assume that you are wrong in being as such.

-Cultural Roles. Every race/ethnic has expectations of what they want for the men and women. If the ideals were strongly enforced, it can be difficult to be feeling confident to choose a path for yourself.

-Unfamiliarity. There may be ethnicities that are unfamiliar to the diverse array of sexualities that exist in the human race. Even everyday people are limited to those ideas.

Pros

-Family-oriented. There are cultural expectations that value family and togetherness that would prefer to choose accepting the person than rejecting a family member for their sexuality.

-Acceptance. A difference of opinions and sexuality doesn’t make a negative impact towards rejection. This state of thinking allows a family to choose growth rather than staying composed in a particular niche.

-Love. If they truly love you, they’ll always will, regardless of sexual orientation.

Lastly, we all know that religion plays a huge role in the mentalities of the people around us. Religion has proven to be both a pro and a con towards sexuality acceptance. Bottom line, it is what the individual chooses from the values and morals that religion teaches and that creates the outcome of the person’s feelings of the LGBTQ. The pros and cons I listed above also could be affected by an ethnic’s religious values.

Neighborhood/Communities Culture

Neighborhood is the people you live near and around by and communities is whether it’s urban, suburban, or rural. The people you see everyday (or the lack thereof) make up the culture outside of your family and yourself. As an individual you are allowed to choose if you want to be immersed by your local culture or be aloof about it. Regardless of the difference of communities, there are always going to be people that cannot accept those who are different. This could influence you in not being completely open to the public about who you are when sexual orientation is concerned. And honestly, if you feel happier that way, then you are allowed to keep it to yourself. On the other hand, if you choose to be very open about your sexuality, then be honest to yourself of how confident and strong you are. If that is something you are struggling with, push yourself to have that sense of self-security. It is something you cannot change and no one can tell you otherwise.

The rainbow is not only all sorts of colors bonded together to express beauty, the rainbow can also appear anywhere once the rain goes. This accepting beauty can shine anywhere…. Think of that the next time you see the colorful pride flag.

How was your confidence level when you realized that your sexual orientation was different from the heterosexual norm.? What is your confidence towards it now? How did the culture(s) you grew up with affect towards your own self-acceptance?

Original Article

I have always believed that people are more motivated, creative, engaged, and loyal when they feel as though their skills and contributions are valued and respected. These factors create a satisfying and fulfilling environment that is more likely to foster cooperation and teamwork — these are some of the elements that help companies meet (or exceed) their goals and objectives. Without these factors even the most loyal employees become disengaged after a long period of time and the workplace can be miserable — that’s when it becomes just a “job” and not a “career”.

Original Article

“You just don’t know what you want.”

“You are just a selfish person.”

“You still blend in with the heterosexuals. It’s not fair.”

“You have to pick! There is no way you can fall in love and enjoy sex with men AND women.”

“You must be loose.”

Bisexuality— Doesn’t those comments sound familiar? Every sexuality has its own judgments and complete misunderstandings. What may be the irony is that these kinds of comments are being from heterosexual and homosexual people. At least there’s some common ground there. But since we live in a society where a definite definition must be had to label everything, even the most flamboyant and open homosexuals had said something under a negative line about the bisexual party. I wouldn’t put the blame upon the factor that bisexuals can blend in heterosexual society and that homosexuals find it unfair, I would blame the fact that society can’t be more fluid when it comes to the complexity of human beings. Bisexuality can never be a right or a left line, it’s a curvy one. A curvy line that varies from person to person of how big and how many curves that line would have. Bisexuality is not a theory—it’s real and possible. It’s not always a sexual orientation ID starting point.

According to Dr. Freud and some friends of mine, bisexuality exists in all human beings. But before you also point out that Dr. Freud was the same man who theorized the Oedipus-complex, allow me to defend his psychosis up to a certain level. For men, bisexuality is less common that it is for women. Men not only are more rigid overall socially with one another, it’s also how their brains function. Usually when a man is bisexual, after a while, he will discover that he prefers a gender over the other and decides to continue to make partners of that gender. Women are more fluid in thinking and socially that bisexuality is more likely to be the proper case among them. The common ground of bisexuals is that their experiences with both sexes allow them to have a wider range of romantic and sexual experiences.

Kinsey Scale

There is something called the Kinsey Scale. Alfred Charles Kinsey knew that human’s attractions and sexualities cannot be defined easily like animals. Therefore he made a scale; this is an updated variation:

Here is another variety of the Kinsey scale that may be relatable and have some flair:

Bisexuality is just as diverse as the colors of peoples’ skin. There is never one definite color to point out a particular race or ethnicity when you are relating to all sorts of people. Bisexuality cannot be generalized so easily because it varies from person to person.

Dating

One thing that could be difficult when you place a bisexual person and dating is the assumption that the person is fickle and may not know what they want. Well, haven’t this happened even in heterosexual and homosexual relationships? When one or both partners are not sure what they want? Not certain of the relationship? What happens with bisexuals is that they may be in the status of a hetero-romantic homosexual individual or a homo-romantic heterosexual individual. “Romantic” means in this case is the attraction of a gender. So you may have bisexuals that are very attracted romantically to one gender but feel lust and sexual attraction towards another. We all know that there are experiences between men and women that reels an individual in or repulses an individual out.

What do you do if you are dating such a person?

TALK.

I’m not kidding; talk. Talk to the bisexual you are dating or planning to date. Probably the best bisexuals to date are the ones who truly understand who they are. They think about what attracts them to people. They think about why their attractions are for what they are and know what they like in a partner. But if the bisexual is still in the “experimenting” stage and they are not completely certain, still talk to them about what they like or expect to have in a relationship. Don’t forget to talk about your side of the question. Understanding each other would probably the best the way to be sure or not surprising if the bisexual is talking about the other sex when things are getting a little stiff or weird in the relationship. I’m sure heterosexuals and homosexuals have particular wants but don’t always date them— consider that to be part of the same thing with a bi person.

Yes, bisexuals can be a complicated bunch but so are people. I would like to believe if someone was drawn to a person would be usually their personalities and how they carry themselves. A nice thing about knowing a bisexual is that they would be able to share experiences about either the homosexual or the heterosexual side of things.

How do you feel about bisexuals? Before and after this post? Can you tell when someone swings both ways?

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Honestly, if the worst these people can say about me is that I’m gay, then I think I’ll be fine. I can handle it.

Zac Effron

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Yeah, I had gay friends. The first thing I realized was that everybody’s different, and it becomes obvious that all of the gay stereotypes are ridiculous.
~Bruce Springsteen

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Justice has been served… Or has it. Three suspects have been arrested in the beating of Brandon White, an innocent gay young man that was the victim of a gay bashing. What made the entire horrific event worse was that Dareal Damare Williams, Dorian Moragne,Christopher Cain posted the entire video on worldstarhiphop.com. Originally White did not want to do anything at all but his mother convinced him that if he doesn’t help himself that he needs to help other people.

Friday, three of the four men accused in the February beating of Brandon White apologized before they were sentenced to 10 years — five years behind bars followed by five years of probation.Upon their release from prison, probation will include intensive community service and sensitivity education, Jay Abt, an attorney for one of the defendants, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

One of the most astounding this was that the Atlanta LGBT community wanted a lighter sentence for the attackers. The community wanted ”restorative justice,” in which the attack would be educated more about gay rights than receiving incarceration. Personally, I felt there should have been a community discussion with the attackers present to realize the severity of their decision in a hope to promote an internal intervention that what they did was entirely wrong.  Jail time is just a slap on the wrist they are stuck in the jail system now and are probably not going to stay out for long because they won’t get hired so whats to stop them from not committing the same crime again in five years.

What do you think?

Original Article