#using henrys book name bc the story is book universe rather than movie

[poems-of-a-lover]

and if i told u guys ive been inactive bc im working on a 3k+ and counting firstprince project. how would u feel. what would u all think.

[sapphicscholar]

hi so I didn't know who to ask but in my psych class we're learning about adolescent psychology, & there was this unit on developing interest in relationships. It went way into detail on how the brain changes during that time, which was interesting, but ofc my gay ass couldn't relate. at the end all it said was 'it's different for homosexuals.' I guess I'm wondering if you know of any way to learn about psychology relating to LGBT people? srsly im thirsty for anything in academia I can relate to

(same psych anon) that was a pretty specific question so I guess like do you have any info or know of any links/ websites/places to learn about lgbt history and lives and stuff like that in an academic way? bc I love school & learning but I’ve always wanted to learn more about myself and people like me, but they never teach that in schools.

Oh my gosh SO MANY THINGS! Okay, so, the psych stuff is pretty outside of my knowledge but I asked my gf (she does the science in this relationship while my gay ass just reads a whole lot of books), and she recommends Helen Fisher and looking at the researchers at the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality or the Kinsey Institute, as well as The Sage Encyclopedia of LGBTQ Studies (it’s an online resource a lot of universities subscribe to). But I’d also say that as far as thinking about developmental narratives, LGBTQ memoirs are a great place to start, especially since so many of them go through their own experiences of having to confront this heteronormative, cis-centric narrative that just doesn’t fit them and their lives. 

So some good queer history authors are: John D’Emilio (comprehensive, if a bit male-centric), Lillian Faderman (writing all about lesbian history, including more recent history; very well-respected; she’s got some issues in her scholarship that by no means discount it as a whole, but I’m happy to talk more about if you want), Michael Bronski (his Queer History of the United States is really accessible), George Chauncey (it’s just of NYC, but still fun), Estelle B. Freedman, Foucault (though it’s not quite “history,” it’s a kind of history meets theory of regimes of power and how sexuality got tied up in that), Martha Vicinus (I adore her), Valerie Traub (goes all the way back to the early modern period), and so many others who really focus more on niche history, so I won’t list them here. There are some web resources, but I know a lot of them are databases that are subscription-based. I’ll see what I can’t dig up in the next couple of days as far as free websites. I know they exist; it’s just a matter of having the time to look…

Okay, you didn’t specifically say you were interested in literature but bc I taught literature and think it’s a great way to learn about the history of a group, I’m gonna list some anyway and you can feel free to disregard!

Patricia Highsmith, The Price of Salt (or Carol, depends on the year it was printed) – you can also check out the movie! I find the two to be complementary (the book gives you Therese’s POV almost exclusively, whereas the movie shows much more of Carol’s story) 

Alison Bechdel, Fun Home is her graphic novel/memoir that’s really excellent, but the comic strip that sort of launched her as a public persona (at least within the lesbian community) was Dykes to Watch Out For, quite a bit of which is available for free online

Henry James, The Bostonians – one of the first recognizable depictions of a queer female character in literature (not really…I’d trouble that as a professor, but that’s how it gets taught in general, and it was one of the first books where even contemporary reviewers were quick to note that there was something “wrong” or “morbid,” which was 19th C. code for what would come to be understood as lesbian sexuality, about Olive Chancellor) – free online, though it’s James at his most….Jamesian, which means it’s not that accessible

The poetry of Emily Dickinson! It’s all free online. There’s a ton of it, though much of it isn’t obviously queer

James Baldwin, Giovanni’s Room – gets into bisexual identity in a way a lot of works don’t do; on the sadder side…fair warning 

Virginia Woolf! Especially Orlando or Mrs. Dalloway – the former has been called “the longest and most charming love-letter in literature” (to Woolf’s longtime friend and lover, Vita Sackville-West) and deals with the fluidity of gender and time; the latter has quite a few flashbacks to the brief childhood romance of the protagonist and her friend. Both of them are great, but Woolf, as a modernist, can have a writing style that’s difficult to get into at first (for instance, time really isn’t stable or linear, which is something I adore about her, but definitely takes some getting used to). They’re both available free online through Project Gutenberg

Radclyffe Hall, The Well of Loneliness – it’s a classic, in the sense that it’s one of those books people sort of expect you to have read if you do lesbian literature. It’s certainly an interesting story and told well, but it’s not even close to a happy ending and is rather conciliatory to prevailing norms (though even still it was taken to the courts under the  obscenity laws) - free online, though!

Sarah Waters – a contemporary novelist who writes almost all historical fiction about queer women! Some of her stories are better known (e.g. Tipping the Velvet), but they’re pretty much all great. Varying degrees of angst, but definitely an accessible read

Maggie Nelson, The Argonauts – sort of experimental in form (it’s fiction with footnotes!); it deals with a lesbian woman coming to terms with her partner’s transition and her own identity during the process 

E.M. Forster, Maurice – even though it was first drafted in the 1910s, Forster edited it throughout his life, and, given the subject matter, which was also autobiographical, and the prevailing attitudes at the time, the book was only published posthumously in the 70s

Colette’s Claudine series – it’s long (multi-volume) but sort of a classic – they’re all old enough to be free online, though the English translation is harder to come by 

Eileen Myles – lesbian poet and novelist – I’d recommend Inferno but some of her poetry is free online 

Rita Mae Brown – Rubyfruit Jungle and Oranges Are not the Only Fruit are both quite good, though, especially the latter deals with religiously-motivated homophobia, so I know at least my girlfriend, who dealt with a lot of that from her family, opted not to read it for her own mental health. 

Tony Kushner, Angels in America – this two-part play deals with the AIDS crisis in America – it’s been turned into a TV miniseries, a Broadway play, and a movie, some of which are available online

Really anything by David Sedaris or Augusten Burroughs – both are gay authors who deal a lot with short stories (a ton of memoir/autobiographical stuff) – the former is a bit funnier, but they both have enough sarcasm and dry wit even in dark situations to make them fast reads 

Alan Ginsburg’s poetry 

Walt Whitman’s poetry (though it can be really fucking racist) 

Binyavanga Wainaina, One Day I Will Write About This Place – does deal with issues of sexual abuse as a warning 

Anything by Amber Hollibaugh (she writes a lot about class and butch/femme dynamics – quite a bit of her stuff has been scanned and uploaded online) 

Michelle Tea – was a slam poet; recovering alcoholic; fantastically funny and talented author and delightful human being if you ever get the chance to meet her or go to one of her readings

Randy Shilts, And the Band Played On – more a work of investigative journalism than anything, the work is a stunning indictment of the indifference of the US government during some of the worst years of the AIDS crisis, but it also provides a good bit of gay history 

Terry Galloway Mean Little Deaf Queer – deals with one woman’s experience of losing her hearing and navigating the world and the Deaf and deaf communities as a once-hearing person – she’s sort of acerbic and always funny;

Jeffrey Eugenides, Middlesex – grapples with intersex identity in a way that’s still far too rare in literature 

Theodore Winthrop, Cecil Dreem – just rediscovered about two years ago, this is one of the few pretty happy gay novels from the nineteenth century! Free online!

Leslie Feinberg, Stone Butch Blues – pretty clear from the title, but deals with a butch character’s struggles with gender identity (takes T to pass for a while, but then gets alienated from the lesbian community; eventually stops taking T, but still struggles with what that means for her) – Feinberg’s wife made it free online for everyone after Feinberg’s death (the book had a limited print run, which made finding copies both hard and expensive) 

Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy – trilogy later adapted for film about an effeminate gay man (who also performs as a drag queen) and his life and family   

Oscar Wilde – his novels aren’t explicitly gay, but they often dance around it thematically, at least; his heartbreaking letter, De Profundis, which he wrote to his lover while imprisoned for “gross indecency,” is available online 

Anything by Dorothy Alison 

Audre Lorde, Zami: A New Spelling of My Name - great as a memoir and a cultural history  

There’s so many more but this is so my jam I suspect I’ve already rambled too long

If you’re interested in film, here are a few: 

Paris Is Burning (a film about drag ball culture in NYC) 

Fire – Deepa Mehta (it’s on YouTube in the US) 

Boys Don’t Cry – there is a lot of homophobia and transphobia in the film, so it’s definitely one you’ll want to be in the right mindset to watch (I, for one, have only watched it once) 

But I’m a Cheerleader – over-the-top mockumentary-esque film that satirizes conversion therapy and the Christian “documentaries” that claimed to showcase their successes (RuPaul is in it as well) 

Desert Hearts – one of the earliest films to leave open the possibility of a happy ending for the lesbian couple 

Hedwig and the Angry Itch – deals with gender identity and feelings of not belonging (also a fabulous musical) 

Philadelphia – about one man’s experience of discrimination while dying of AIDS 

There are plenty of lighter films, but I figure these tend to also talk more seriously about some issues as well

I don’t know if anyone but me made it to the end of this post, but there’s also so much fun queer theory out there that I won’t get into here, but I’m always up for giving more recommendations!

[backyardnomads-blog]

 “Families are like fudge – mostly sweet with a few nuts.”

~ Unknown

Port Moody, British Columbia is located about 20.4kms which is about a forty minutes drive from downtown Vancouver. Tucked between inter-cities Burnaby & Coquitlam, British Columbia,  Port Moody is considered the smallest city within the Metro Vancouver area!  It has become a welcome haven for visitors & locals alike from the hectic bustle of the surrounding metropolis with its scenic waterfront & mountain views. During the summers, it definitely comes alive with live music, festivals, outdoor patios, food trucks, boating, & so much more!

  Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi on Pexels.com

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      1.History. Originally, the land was home to the Squamish and Musqueam bands of the Coast Salish people, however, during the early 1800’s the Pacific coast was slowly colonized by the British through The Hudson Bay Company fur trade. Both the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush (1857) & the Cariboo Gold Rush (1858) brought many men from American territories. This influenced Queen Victoria’s decision to dispatch British Major-General Richard Moody, BC’s first Lieutenant-Governor in 1859, with the mission of reinforcing British control & establishing New Westminster, the colony’s first capital city, located by the Fraser River.

Additionally, Queen Victoria also sent Royal Engineers of the British Army to clear a trail, later known as the North Road, from Burrard Inlet at Port Moody to New Westminster in order to provide easy military access against any possible American invasion.

But it wasn’t until 1886 that Port Moody quickly expanded into a city after The Canadian Pacific Railway Company completed the transcontinental railway line linking Montreal, Quebec to Port Moody, British Columbia. This brought settlers to the West & in 1913 Port Moody was officially named a city.

Today, visitors can visit The Port Moody Station Museum near Rocky Point Park to learn more about the Railway’s historical significance in the city’s development!

  Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Pexels.com

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2. Arts & Music. Find upcoming events at the City’s Arts & Culture Events website.  The Arts Centre is a great spot especially for artists, families, musicians, and those who enjoy crafts! If you’re staying for several weeks, there are variety of programs you can register to join like children’s summer camps, music lessons, painting, ceramics, & photography. If you can only stay for a few days, be sure to come see one of their gallery exhibitions.

3. Activities for Rainy Days. For family movie buffs, The Inlet Theatre can be a terrific way to spend the afternoon with free family friendly shows Wednesdays at 2:00pm (it is first come, first served). For hot summer days, stop by the Community Public Library where there are weekly children’s activities, Adult book clubs, & cozy spots to simply read.

4. Parks & Mountains. If you’re a nature lover than you will definitely enjoy the great variety Port Moody offers with its scenic trails, picnic areas, & scenic surroundings!

Probably the most famous is The Rocky Point Park located downtown. It is a fantastic spot for families with a spray park (free), outdoor pool, skateboard area, playground, dock area, & walking paths. There are also trails stretching along the shoreline for running, biking, or walking. Additionally, with a boat launch many visitors set out for a day out on the water from this point, which makes for a great view from shore. Finally, stop by for Pajo’s Fish & Chips & Rocky Point Ice Cream for refreshing treats & delicious meals!

For great waterfront views & outdoor adventure, take a short fifteen minute drive north to The Belcarra Park for fishing, crab fishing, hiking along the Springboard Trail & Sasamat Lake Loop, boating, & swimming at Buntzen lake or Sasamat Lake. Next enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the picnic facilities. You might also try out the Admiralty Point Trails that has spectacular views along the shoreline with several areas to stop and soak in those views of the clear greenish blue water & surrounding landscape. Belcarra is a well loved spot for locals, in fact Belcarra was fittingly called “a little piece of paradise” by the Vancouver Sun (Bramham, 2011).

  5. Breweries. Whether you’re relaxing after a day hiking or out on the water, Port Moody’s Brewers Row located at Murray Street is the perfect place to visit! Situated on the same street you can easily sample a taste from each one of Port Moody’s finest craft breweries: Moody Ales,  The Parkside Brewery, Yellow Dog Brewing Co., & Twin Sails Brewing. Each brewery celebrates unique craft beers which reflect their passion for quality & flavor.

Read More about “The BC Ale Micro-Trail”!

  Visit Burnaby! 

With SO MUCH TO DO your family will never get board!

Try out: Classic Steam Train, Burnaby Village Museum, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Chinese Garden, Casino, Grouse Mountain Tramway, Cruises, Hells Gate Air Tram, Lynn Canyon Park, & MORE!

    6. Accommodations. Why not stay a few days at Port Moody? With its quick access to downtown Vancouver & neighboring Burnaby, this is a great option for travelers! Depending on your style, you may prefer Bed & Breakfasts, of which Port Moody has some lovely options available for you to choose from. Here are our top four suggestions: Mainstay Oasis Bed & Breakfast, The Beach House on Alderside, At the Beach Retreat, & Nature’s Door Bed & Breakfast. For those who would rather stay at a hotel, we would suggest you check out Coquitlam’s Executive Plaza Hotel Metro Vancouver.

  Photo by Eric Sanman on Pexels.com

7. Campgrounds & RV Parks. We love camping during the summer months, not only because its budget friendly, but honestly we just can’t get enough of the outdoor experience! But finding campgrounds with open spaces can be one of the most frustrating & tricky parts of the experience, especially in high tourist areas like Vancouver during the summertime! (If you can call ahead & reserve your spot before arriving, better yet book it days or weeks ahead, it will save you a world of time & peace of mind). One place close to Port Moody is: Anmore Camp & RV Park. CHECK OUT: Travel British Columbia. This website offers a more comprehensive list of locations for camping, lodging, RV-ing, cabins, yurt tents, & more!

  Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

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8. Restaurants. If you’re a fan of Tacos, then be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the amazing The Truckeria Food Truck (Tuesdays @ The Parkside Brewery & Wednesdays @ Yellow Dog Brewing Co.; Or follow them on Instagram for their daily locations). For a more sit-down experience, try out Taps & Tacos Restaurant! Other yummy local eats include: Spacca Napoli , Mega Donaire, & Henry’s Kitchen Pasta & Grill (2410 St Johns street). We haven’t forgotten about dessert…stop by Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies!!

  Photo by Igor Starkov on Pexels.com

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

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9. Transportation. With so much to explore, driving around can take up a lot of time just getting through Vancouver’s traffic, construction, & finding parking.  Although, this might be the most viable option for you, Port Moody makes it easy to skip the traffic with its SkyTrain! Simply jump on the Millennium Line’s Evergreen Extension at Port Moody & sit back as the automated transit system takes you downtown Vancouver within 30-40 minutes! You can buy the Compass Cards & Tickets at any SkyTrain, SeaBus, London Drug Stores, & West Coast Express Stations. You can also buy online or call 604-398-2042. The Translink website also provides useful information regarding biking, bus schedules, driving, & MUCH MORE!

    We hope that this guide has been helpful for your planning!

If you know of other great ideas or places to visit throughout the Port Moody or Vancouver areas, please let us know! We are always eager to try out new adventures & discover new travel places!

        Sources:

Bramham, Daphne. “Belcarra: A Little Piece of Paradise.” Www.vancouversun.com, Vancouver Sun, 18 Aug. 2011, http://www.vancouversun.com/Belcarra little piece paradise/5109910/story.html.

“Canadian Pacific Railway .” UBC Library Chung Collection, The University of British Columbia, chung.library.ubc.ca/collection-themes/canadian-pacific-railway/canadian-pacific-railway.

“New Westminster History .” Tourism New Westminster, 2016, http://www.tourismnewwestminster.com/about-new-westminster/history/.

“I. Vancouver Before It Was.” The Story of Vancouver, Vancouver Historical Society, 8 May 2017, http://www.vancouver-historical-society.ca/blog/introduction/i-vancouver-before-it-was/.

Yardley , Carollyne. “The Cariboo Gold Rush Overview and Historical Map.” The Cariboo Gold Rush Barkerville Section, 30 Nov. 1998, http://www.cariboogoldrush.com/intro.htm.

    Port Moody, British Columbia is located about 20.4kms which is about a forty minutes drive from downtown Vancouver. Tucked between inter-cities Burnaby & Coquitlam, British Columbia,  Port Moody is considered the smallest city within the Metro Vancouver area!  It has become a welcome haven for visitors & locals alike from the hectic bustle of the surrounding metropolis with its scenic waterfront & mountain views. During the summers, it definitely comes alive with live music, festivals, outdoor patios, food trucks, boating, & so much more! Check It Out!  “Families are like fudge – mostly sweet with a few nuts.” ~ Unknown Port Moody, British Columbia is located about 20.4kms which is about a forty minutes drive from downtown Vancouver.