To celebrate the Blog hitting the big 1st Birthday, thought I would have a little bit of fun with everyone and open up all the social media for a little Ask Me Anything (#AMA) time! Which was fun, some points I needed to really think on. Some questions I had actually thought about going in a future post… and a lot of sweet comments and conversations. Thank you all that reached out!

#AMA

Now to the real questions, or if I had multiple of the same, lumped together answering 😉

“What is your favorite topic to blog about and why?”

Ok, this one took me some time to really think about, but basically, anything that is probably more on the light-hearted, fun, and goofy side really are my fave. Though, the LGBTQ+ topics definitely win my heart just because of the responses they get. I’m always so touched. So maybe my current favorite post is a little bit of both – So Your Kid Wants to be a Furry.

There was also something really fun to the COVID activities ones too. I’m really looking forward to more activity ones now that it’s getting safer.

“When did you realize you were Pan?”

So, it really wasn’t until I knew the kiddo was Pan. So I was already in my Mid-30’s(ish).

We were at an LGBTQ+ Conference and they had separated adults and youth. We were all given this sheet to fill out. Better than the standard “Gender-bread Man“/”Gender Unicorn” deal. Kind of thinking of romantic and sexual attraction in a more than linear sense and it all clicked in. I was like, “…oh wait, there is a label for me and my crush style. Oh, that explains a lot!” I swear if only I knew this term growing up it would have made way more sense. I mean like my first crush, wasn’t exactly heteronormative. And I definitely had a “girl crush” type, so go figure. I was more than an “Open Ally.” I just didn’t know there was a proper label.

And, funny thing is I’m working on a future post that will kind of involve this.

“Beach OR Wilderness?”

Beach! Especially if I can combine the two…Big Sur, you are on my Bucket List. 😉 I just find if made to pick, water will always relax me a lot faster, but give me any natural setting and I’m a way happier person.

“What’s the most surprising reaction you’ve gotten for your work?”

I think I was really more of a surprised at the beginning reactions of my LGBTQ+ posts. When I first started being more vocal about my LGBTQ+ views the amount of unfollows or hate totally caught me off guard. Thankfully now I don’t even blink an eye, but at first that really, really shocked me.

“How did you develop your skills as a writer?”

Years upon years of writing! And remembering not all styles and formats are the same. Plus, Grammarly plugin is my buddy.

“What advice would you have for people who want to make a career out of advocacy?”

EEK, I’m not sure if I’m qualified to tell you. I’m honestly still figuring out this road myself. Imposter Syndrome is a full-on thing, constantly questioning if I really know enough to be speaking. Learning it’s ok to be paid, your time is valuable, even when it’s a non-profit situation. Honestly, I have a hard time with that, and…well, it’s still all a process. Do your internships, be always reading, always learning, and do your best to promote what matters to you. Hopefully one day it will all click.

Not all messages came in question form, but these warmed my heart most-

I had so many “coming out” … more like “letting you in” stories from moms! I just want to say, that means you are doing something right! Creating an open and safe environment for these kids to feel comfortable sharing. Promoting a space for them to live authentically. That’s huge! Make sure you check out my post if you get stumped and want to find more local resources. But, mostly, remember, You Got This!

Thank you all that reached out. And really a BIG THANK YOU for all the reads, likes, follows, shares…etc!

I wouldn’t be here without you! There would be no sponsorships, promotions, giveaways if it wasn’t for all your support so you mean more than you know!

XO! – Felicia