Greetings!

[ryhartley]

Hi everyone,
My name is Ryan and I am a gay male author/illustrator.  I'm working on a journal and resource guide for queer youth and teens.  I am so impressed by the forums here, and will be browsing through to better educate myself about my trans brothers and sisters, and to find some wisdom to include for the book.  If anyone has advice to offer young members of the community who are entering or in the midst of puberty, I would love to include it.
Thanks!
-ryan

[Janis]

Hi Ryan,
Nice to meet you, I am also an artist and illustrator. This is a great place to share some good thoughts.

[Davie]

I wish there was someone like you back when I started to delve into non typical male behavior.  Hope to learn and help if possible.  I love reading the forums here very much. 

[Shang]

Welcome!

I hope your book comes out good!  I'd love to read it when you're done.

[Inphyy]

I'm very into the jest of aiding you in your book, if there's anything that I could possibly assist you with, do not be petrified to ask...I'll help with anything you need! 

[Arch]

Hi, and welcome. Do you also want advice for middle-aged people who are going through puberty?

[Lacey Lynne]

Ryan:

Welcome!  You, sir, are most welcome here.  It's truly "a breath of fresh air" to have somebody really believe and behave like LGBTQ really IS a COMMUNITY!  That is so cool.  I salute you.

There is this girl (a 20-something lesbian) on YouTube, Michelle (anythingsarcastic) that rants and raves about these same issues.  I love listening to her. 

Anyway, glad you're here.  Welcome, and please DO get involved.

Peace ...     ... Lacey Lynne

[Janet_Girl]

Hi Ryan,

Welcome to our little family. Over 5000 strong. That would be one heck of a family reunion.

Feel free to post your successes/failures, Hopes/dreams.  Ask questions and seek answers. Give and receive advice.

But remember we are family here, your family now. And it is always nice to have another brother.

And be sure to check out these links ( MUST READS )

• Site Terms of Service and rules to live by
  
• Standard Terms and Definitions
  
• Post Ranks ( including when you can upload an avatar)
  

Hugs and Love,
Janet

[ryhartley]

Thank you everyone for such a warm welcome!!!  I am so excited to be a part of the community!  I still have some nosing around to do in the different sections, and will actively contribute in the appropriate forums soon! 

The main question I am trying to address with my book project is: how do you move from a heightened awareness of your sexuality/gender identity during puberty into a healthy and independent adulthood?  That's like the million dollar question, right? I'm still working on that myself seven years after leaving teendom!!

My inspiration for doing this comes from working with a diversity of kids in this age group and seeing how the age of self identification is becoming younger and younger, and how there aren't a lot of resources. 

Thanks again for the welcome, and I will talk to you soon!!

[Lacey Lynne]

Ryan:

You didn't really ask for my opinion, but may I kindly offer it to you anyway?

I sense that you've got a real passion for what you're doing, right?  That's great!  If so, then you're definitely doing THE RIGHT THING!

You're a writer ... an illustrator ... know your subject ... believe in it ... are young and know today's technology and media.  You've been dealt "a winning hand" here, man.  I see good things in the future for you.  Just follow through.  Stick with it.  Make it happen.  There's an old saying: "If it's gonna be, it's up to me."   Hey, you like that?  I do.

There is a great need among the people you are writing about/to.  You are filling that need with your writing and illustrating.  Don't look know, but that's how you "spell success" in a commercial endeavor. 

Ever think about making your material available in many different formats/media?  You should.  Why?  Because, people like to learn via different media and methods at different rates.  Make it possible for them to do that.

Just some ideas there.  Ignore me if you want to.  That's fine.  You did not ask for my "two-cents-worth" on your projects.

About that girl (lesbian on Youtube named Michelle), here she is.  I hope I posted this correctly.  This older gal is not nearly as tech-savvy as people your age.

I believe in what you are doing and in you, man.  Keep us posted regarding your ideas and progress if and when you feel like it. 

Good luck!  Here's (I hope!) Michelle from YouTube:



Peace ...       ...   Lacey Lynne