#Oregon gay weddings

[gaytravelinfo]

The Hotel Zags - Portland, OR

The Hotel Zags | 515 SW Clay St, Portland, OR 97201 | 1-855-523-6914 WELCOME TO THE HOTEL ZAGS — YOUR PORTAL TO PORTLAND  The Hotel Zags is situated in downtown Portland’s Business district, one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. We’re truly close to everywhere you want to be — from delicious dining to hip shopping hot spots to cultural attractions. Most are within walking distance, but…

[goddessof-the-sea]

[gentlebeardsbarngrill]

04/09/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; Rachel House; Jes Tom; Kat Buchanan; GypsyTaylor; Big Gay Energy Podcast; Unicorn Day; Uproar; Watch Party Reminders; Fan Spotlights: OurDragMeansSlay; Cast Cards; TealOrange & Garlic Soup Prompt Week! Love Notes; Daily Darby/Today's Taika

== Rachel House ==

Rachel House's new directorial movie topped the charts in Taranaki!

== Jes Tom ==

Gonna be in New York in May? Well Jes Tom and lot's over other asian comics will be performing at the 2024 Asian Comedy Fest! For tickets visit: asiancomedyfest.com. 2024 Asian Comedy Fest IG

== Kay Buchanan ==

Kay Buchanan, one of the prop designers for OFMD s2 dumped a bunch of prop pics today for Izzy's leg! Src: Kay Buchanan IG

== Unicorn Day! ==

Yesterday was National Unicorn! Some of our lovely crew put out some dedications For Our New Unicorn! Img Src: @blueberreads

== More Uproar News! ==

Uproar is coming to digital on April 30 so those of you who couldnt get in to a theatre to see it can purchase and download it at home!

For those still interested in theatres-- if you happen to be nearby, @elby3000 was kind enough to note that theUproar opening date at Salem Cinema (Oregon) of April 12 at Blue Fox Entertainment may be in error. The theatre's website lists opening as April 19 (subject to change). Just in case you happy to be looking for one there!

== Watch Party Reminders! ==

== Flight Of the Conchords ==

Today we're on Season 1 Ep 5 and 6. Join OFMD Crew, and @iamadequate1 this week for Flight of the Conchords watch parties! You can watch each day at 4pm PT, 7 pm ET, 11pm BST! If you don't have access, feel free to join us on the #RhysDarbyFaction Discord server, you can hit me up for an invite.

Hashtags:

#FlagOfTheConchords

#OurFlagMeansDeath

== Taskmaster NZ ==

*Please Note*: @ineffablecollision was kind enough to let us know of some desyncing issues! Thanks friend!

"During the TMNZ watch party, depending on where you watch, you *will* get desynced! I don't know if TVNZ kept the ad break bumpers, but Ch4 has one missing (TMNZ has four ad breaks compared to TMUK's three, so they cut to fit), and YT has them cut altogether!"

Series 1 continues Weds at 11am PT / 2 pm ET / 7 pm BST on any of the @saveofmdcrewmates socials.

#Quartermaster

#OurFlagMeansDeath

Taskmaster

== Fan Spotlight ==

= Big Gay Energy Podcast =

Our Big Gay Energy Podcast interviewed Gypsy Taylor and we learned some pretty amazing things. Some highlights:

Stede's cravat was fabric left over from his old couch

Ed kept the teal robe (the one he wears the morning after calypso) as a memory of Stede and then Taika kept the robe after the show.

Please check out the whole episode below!

Where to Watch Where to Listen

= Our Drag Means Slay =

Hey all! Are you in the Chicago area? Why not checkout Our Drag Means Slay on April 27! It's $25/ticket and doors open at 5:55pm! For Tickets

= Teal Oranges & Garlic Soup Week! =

A new celebration week is coming up in June for all things Jim/Oluwande and Archie/Jim/Oluwande/Zheng (or any combo in between!) Prompts will be released on April 15th!

When: Sunday June 23 - Saturday June 29th! How: Create or Share - Fic, art, and other fan creations!

Please follow them on Tumblr! @garlicsoupweek You can visit: Linktr.ee Or follow them on Twitter!

= Cast Cards =

Today's cast card is Jennifer Onyeiwu, one of the lovely pirates that asked Stede out for a drink in "Man On Fire". If we ever get a s3 I hope she comes back-- thanks @melvisik!

== Love Notes ==

Hey lovelies. This weeks turning out to be a bit of a doozy. I hope you all are practicing some self care. It's been a lot lately. I have seen a lot of you mentioning re-watching the show, which I love. It feels like we are getting past the raw part of our grief into being able to celebrate it as a group again.

Be kind to yourselves lovelies, be kind to yourself and others. There's enough hate in this world that we don't need to add undo stress to others or especially ourselves.

Love you crew.

Img Src: @BethDrawsThings IG

== Daily Darby / Today's Taika ==

The theme today is, there are two wolves inside of me, both of these gifs represent them

Darby Gif Courtesy of @ofmd-ann

Taika Gif Courtesy of @gentlepanpirate

[afeelgoodblog]

#075 - The Best News of Last Week - February 27, 2023

🐈 - Do you know Gacek, the most famous cat in Poland?

Hey there! It's Erica here, and I'm excited to share with you some of the most uplifting news stories of the week. In a world that can sometimes seem filled with negativity, it's important to focus on the positive and find inspiration in the good things that are happening around us. Let's dive into this week's collection of wholesome news!

1. 8-year-old boy missing from Washington state for 8 months is found in Missouri

A boy who has been missing from Washington state since at least mid-June was found safe in Missouri, the FBI office in Seattle said Tuesday.

Authorities said 8-year-old Breadson John had vanished by June 17, when a welfare check at his home in Vancouver, Washington, just across the state line from Oregon, determined his absence.

2. World’s biggest four-day working week trial hailed a ‘major breakthrough’

The trial of a four-day working week in the UK, the largest of its kind in the world, has been celebrated as a “major breakthrough” after the majority of participating companies announced their intention to continue with the shorter week.

The trial, which ran for six months from June last year, required firms to reduce their working hours for all employees by 20 per cent without any reduction in wages.

At least 56 out of the 61 companies confirmed they will continue with the four-day working week, while 18 of them have made the policy a permanent change.

3. This dying baby turtle survived after drifting 4,000 miles to Ireland

A family strolling on a beach in Ireland earlier this month spotted a seafarer that had washed up on the rocks. Less than a year old, the female loggerhead survived a months-long journey across the Atlantic Ocean, teeming with dangers including predators and plastic. Although she was still alive, the turtle was dehydrated, massively underweight.

They called her Cróga, the Irish word for “brave.” After finding Cróga in the northwestern part of Ireland, the family called a few groups that rehabilitate whales and dolphins. There, Cróga’s rehabilitation began.

4. A Hernando toddler found alive after being missing for nearly 24 hours

A 2-year-old boy was lost in the Florida woods for 24 hours. Everyone feared the worst. Hundreds of volunteers came out to look for him.

One volunteer came to a fork in a field: right or left? He trusted his gut, went left and soon heard a whimper. It was the little boy, crying but in good health.

I found something interesting while reading this article: If you are part of a SAR team looking for a child to not only call their name but also that they aren’t in trouble. Young children sometimes hide from potential rescuers because they’re afraid they’ll get in trouble.

5. German man remains free of the HIV virus years after receiving stem cell treatment.

Researchers are announcing that a 53-year-old man in Germany has been cured of HIV.

Referred to as "the Dusseldorf patient" to protect his privacy, researchers said he is the fifth confirmed case of an HIV cure. Although the details of his successful treatment were first announced at a conference in 2019, researchers could not confirm he had been officially cured at that time. Today, researchers announced the Dusseldorf patient still has no detectable virus in his body, even after stopping his HIV medication four years ago.

6. South Korea court recognises same-sex couple rights for first time

A South Korean court has for the first time recognised the rights of a same-sex couple in the country. In a landmark ruling, the Seoul High Court found a government health insurer did owe coverage to the spouse of a customer after the firm withdrew it when it found out the pair were gay.

The men had held a wedding ceremony in 2019, but same-sex marriage is not recognised in South Korea.

Activists say the ruling is a leap forward for LGBT rights in the country.

7. A fat cat has become the top-rated tourist attraction in a Polish city with a perfect 5-star average on Google Maps

A fat black-and-white cat called Gacek has become the top-rated tourist attraction in the Polish city of Szczecin.

Gacek has a perfect five-star rating on Google Maps. His name, pronounced gats-ek, means "long-eared bat" in Polish. Gacek first drew international attention when he appeared in a YouTube documentary in 2020

- - -

That's it for this week. If you liked this post you can support this newsletter with a small kofi donation:

Buy me a coffee ❤️

Let's carry the positivity into next week and keep spreading the good news!

[emlovesstates]

Syracuse Hawaii Are you a lot older than me?

Hawaii: *leaning down next to her*: Well, let's put it this way when you're 20 I'll be 40, when you're 30 I'll be 40

Hawaii :And when you're 40, you'll understand why I'm still 40.

---

Gov:Can someone get this piece of trash out of the office?

New York :* to Texas* You heard him, move it.

----

Georgia: Idaho and I got married!!

Hawaii: Don't share your personal problems with everyone.

----

New York : It means that my instincts are back

Gov:What about this?

New York: Mr.Gov I'm a nanny.

New York:You hired me me to take care of kids.

New York:You're a grown man.

New York:You want your problems solved.

New York: Get a wife.

Gov:* flabbergasted*

-----

Alaska: Look, I know you think my judgement's clouded because I like

Oregon a little bit.

Georgia, holding Alaska's notepad:

You doodled your wedding invitation.

Alaska: No, that's our joint tombstone.

Georgia: My mistake.

-----

Hawaii:* handing a bag to Alaska* You can return this I was gonna wear on our honeymoon

Alaska:* looks into the bag* there's nothing in here, but lip gloss

Hawaii: Suffer

---

Cal : How do I make a date really romantic?

Texas: Be mysterious.

Cal : Okay!

*later, while on a date with Washington*

Washington: So where are we going?

Cal : None of your fucking business.

-----

Washington: Okay, I’m going to get the wedding cake.

Alaska: Perfect, while you do that I’ll check on the ring bear.

Washington: ...

Washington: You mean ring bearER, right?

Alaska: ...

Washington: Look me in the eyes and tell me you are not going to bring a dangerous wild animal to our wedding.

-------

Texas: Bro, I had a dream we fucked.

Hawaii: Bro, relax it was just a dream.

Texas: Huh, gay, I wouldn’t fuck you.

Hawaii: You wouldn’t?

Texas: I mean, unless you want to

----

Cal : Stop doing that.

Oregon: Stop doing what?

Cal : Saying things that make me wanna kiss the hell out of you.

Or

Alaska: Stop doing that.

Texas: Stop doing what?

Alaska: Saying things that make me wanna kiss the hell out of you.

-----

Idaho: How much you wanna bet

Alaska got a Lap dance from Hawaii?

Oregon: If that happened, Louisiana can drink free tonight.

Louisiana: As much as I love the thought of having free drinks I don't like the idea of Alaska receiving a Lap dance from someone other than me.

Idaho: Hey Hawaii, did you give

Alaska a lap dance?

Hawaii: So what if I did?

Idaho, to Oregon: I guess Louisiana is drinking free tonight.

Hawaii: Be right back, I'm gonna go cry-

Alaska, entering the room: What the f-

-----

Georgia: Hey, babe, remember how I had to go to the pharmacy to pick up my ADHD meds?

Louisiana: Yes?

Georgia: Well, it turns out they're all out for the next five days.

Louisiana: Fuck.

Georgia: It's gonna be a fun week!

Louisiana: I'm going to Florida's house.

Georgia: Nuh-uh. Through sickness and health, motherfucker.

[elisewilscn]

MEET ELISE WILSON. SHE IS 28 YEARS OLD LIVING IN LINCOLN CITY, OREGON AND WORKING AS A WAITRESS.

Statistics

full name: elise mona wilson

nickname: elle, ellie

age: twenty-eight

date of birth: february 23rd

zodiac: pisces

hometown: austin, texas

current residence: lincoln city, oregon

extracurricular activities: cheerleading, dance, drama and arts society, gay straight alliance,

gender identity: cis female

pronouns: she/her

sexual orientation: heterosexual (figuring it out, might be more fluid then she is aware, both here and i are unsure of if she's queer lol)

faceclaim: victoria pedretti

Before (tw: mentions of drug abuse and child neglect)

elise wilson was born in austin, texas to a rather... unstable couple. her parents had gotten pregnant young and were not ready for a child. actually, they weren't stable enough for a child. elise's father, to her knowledge, has been in and out of jail since she before she was born, and her mother often coped with some kind of illegal substance. she was only a few months old the first time CPS was called on her by her paternal grandmother, betty wilson, and by the second time, her grandparents were fighting for custody. the judge could tell her parents were not fit to raise her, and barely a toddler, granted her grandparents full guardianship. a few years later, they elected to move away from the place her biological parents called home, and brought elise to lincoln city. for her entire adolescence, elise would not speak of her parents true identities, or why she was not living with them. she'd make up grand stories, saying her father was an international spy or that her mother was a famous muscian who was always on tour. after her classmates called her out on a number of inconsistencies in her stories, elise decided she would not speak of her parents at all. and she told herself she was fine. of course she wasn't, and elise has what many would call, daddy issues. perhaps it is because she was raised by her father's parents, but they had always claimed he had been smart, and if he could just get his life together he would be the best father. all elise heard was "he doesn't love you enough to get his life together to be a good father", and so she searched for that love in other men. high school was when she at least began to apply herself. when the concept of college became real. she would be the first in her family to ever graduate from college, her gran and papa had always told her. so she joined all of the clubs, she was a social butterfly, she tried so hard to keep her grades up. but she could be distracted easily, and distracted she was. elise is the girl that always needs a boyfriend to feel like she is validated. she is sweet and kind and genuine to those she deems worthy of her time, but she also can be vapid, and shallow, and unoriginal. in fact, she often wonders what about her is truly her own interests, and not something she picked up in hopes of impressing a potential partner. of course, dating had never really worked out as she was expecting. either she would start dating someone long enough to sleep with them, and they'd start ignoring her. or, they would date, but as elise began to see their whole future, planning out their eventual wedding, every boy would run for the hills. and at the end of every single relationship, she would scream she wouldn't fall so hard for someone again. two weeks later, she was head over heels for someone new. the night of the party was supposed to be perfect. it was to be the night to remember, one people would be talking about for years. and she was supposed to be apart of that, as she was dating the host at the time. but that stupid dare box came out and chris went missing and instead of her name living on in infamy, it was his.

After (tw: mentions of death and abuse)

high school came and went, the town seemed to implode on itself, and elise was determined to get out. she had plans to go to oregon state. her major wasn't set but she had time for that, ya know? college was about self discovery, which is what she desperately needed. but that never came. much to her grandparents disappointment, elise followed in her mother's footsteps and got pregnant the summer after her senior year. and in that moment, she decided she could write her parents wrongs, she could be the parent she never had, and she would raise this baby with love. and to her surprise, her grandparents stood behind her just like they had for years. determined to get a degree and provide a better life for her daughter, willa, elise was able to get her associates degree in business from a community college. and that was also where she met her ex. he seemed like the perfect guy for the first year, but after she agreed to move herself and willa in with him, his true colors began to show. it was a slow build up, but it just meant the first night he actually touched her, she had been bracing for impact. it was only in the past year, after six years together in total (two of those married) that elise finally packed up all of her stuff and left with willa in the middle of the night. she returned back to lincoln city and found things had shifts. her papa had passed, and she had missed it. her old high school was being rebranded. and some of her old classmates had returned home just as she did. now back and living in her high school bedroom, raising her nine year old daughter, elise is determined to make something of her life. she scored a waitressing job at a nicer restaurant where people tip at least twenty percent, and after working in this industry for years, realized a passion for food. her goal now? go to culinary school part time and get her degree, and eventually open up her own place. her grannie seems to think opening her own restaurant or catering company would be the most successful, but elise has noticed her passion seems to lie in baking. and so that's the goal, eventually open her own bakery, and feel happy about her life for the first time since high school. but the universe has other plans. in comes her old classmates that bring up feelings of inferiority and failure, and ominous facebook posts about chris that have a small part of her blaming that night for the way her life turned out. determined not to let it shake her confidence, elise is doing her best to ignore everything that is going on and keep her head high.

Wanted Connections

the high school best friend(s) (+). this can be a person, or a group of people that elise spent most of her time with in high school, perhaps they met in one of the many teams or clubs she was apart of, or maybe they went back further to middle school or elementary school. (open to 1 person)

the ex boyfriend. (+/-) elise dated... a lot of people over the years. and almost every relationship was not ended by her. whether she got to be too clingy, to intense, or because she hoped every partner would fix that broken part of her, she had a tendency to cause people to run. and then her world would fall apart and she'd blame every ex for ruining her life. lets just say, most of these relationships did not end on good terms. (open to 3 people. idealy masc muses)

the smooth talker. (+) nothing ever happened between the two back in the day, as they were always both unavailable when the other person was. however, that didn't stop a comfortable flirtation to develop, and elise knows there is a chance if they ever both single at the same time, she could be convinced of anything.

the regular. (+) this person has been seated in elise's section a number of times unintentionally, and after having plenty of pleasant conversations, began to request elise as their server every time she was available. they have a great time whenever seated in elise's section, and she's even begun to treat them to the friends and family discount. don't tell her boss.

the baby daddy. (+/-) elise got pregnant the summer between high school and college, and naturally this relationship was already beginning to fizzle out by the time college began and elise realized she was pregnant. she never told him about the pregnancy or willa, in fear of ruining his life or feeling as though she shackled him to her. but now everyone's back in town... and her secret is definitely going to get out.

open to many other connections that aren't listed here!

Taken Connections

chris wilder (-). the guy who ruined everything. before that night, elise had no beef with chris wilder. in fact, she enjoyed spending time with him and thought he was cute. but that night was supposed to cement her as a st. mary's legend alongside her then boyfriend and host of the party. they were supposed to be THE power couple and her life was going to be perfect. instead, chris went missing and now the only thing people think when they reflect on that night is negativity.

isadora morgan (+). the high school bestie. tba.

kai wilder (+). the middle school connections.

zeppelin cardoso (+). the coworker.

luci saphira (-). the resented reflection.

michael geary (+). the one who stepped up. let's be clear, elise is certain michael is not the father of her child, but they did sleep together around the time she conceived, so there is always a chance. and regardless of if he is or is not the father, michael has been a kind enough friend to step up and help her take care of her daughter.

Extras

pinterest || playlist

[aclaywrites]

How to fall in love via Deneuve Magazine Personal Ads Circa 1993

❖ Go to your mailbox and see that your latest issue of Deneuve magazine has been delivered. It’s in a plain brown envelope, but you still take it all the way inside the house before you open it.

❖ Take a moment to gaze at the cover and appreciate the fact that it’s named after Catherine Deneuve in honor of her sex scene from The Hunger which awakened us all.

❖ Flip past the first few pages of ads. Do I want to fax away for a brochure about the chance to go on a Kenyan photo safari with the world’s first out lesbian commedienne? What about the Olivia Thanksgiving cruise?

❖ Enjoy the Editor’s Column about how our new President Clinton has pledged to make real progress for the LGBT community. Bask in the warm glow of happiness knowing that the gay dark ages are finally coming to a close.

❖ Chuckle at Alison Bechdel’s ad for the Feminist Bookstore Network and wish you had one of those stores near you.

❖ Keep up with the state of the lesbian nation via the letters to the editor. Aren’t the repressive laws being passed in Oregon and Colorado shocking? Goddess bless that Kentucky baby dyke having to dodge the KKK at her high school 🙁

❖ Read the wedding announcements and get all choked up, remembering why you’re here. Resist the urge to flip to the end and see if there’s anyone new from last month. Hope springs eternal!

❖ Oh, the 20th anniversary of Naiad Press! I love their stuff! Especially how all the covers look like they’re printed with ink that was on sale. I wonder if they have any more copies of that Lesbian Queries book from 1990???

❖ Audre Lorde sure is gonna give them hell at the march on Washington, eh?

❖ So many bookstores. So many books.

❖ An article about Safe Sex! Hell yes! Even though lesbians don’t get AIDS because we’re God’s chosen people, this will be fun to read about in theory! “After all, aren’t we told that lesbians and priests are in the lowest risk category?” lol people thought priests weren’t constantly having gay sex. Simpler times.

❖ An interview with Alison Bechdel! She’s so swoony.

❖ Articles about soap operas, speculation about Hilary Clinton, gossip about Madonna and Sandra Bernhard. And what about Whoopi Goldberg? And that Ellen lady? She’s been on Arsenio Hall acting all cagy about the men in her life. A list of women we wish were gay, including Joan Jett? Didn’t she sing Crimson and Clover without changing pronouns like waaaaay back in the 80s

❖ Music reviews: Sweet Honey in the Rock and Alix Dobkin! We’re almost to the ads…

❖ Labrys jewelry, freedom rings. C’mon, let’s get to the good stuff!

❖ Here we go! Classified ads– 30 words for $20! Queer personal finance, we buy used computers, a lesbian resort in New Hampshire.

❖ Personals at last! Is my woman here?

❖ Hey there’s that woman who has an ad every month expressing her ‘complete and sincere respect for’ women in military, fire, police, private security, corrections’. A gay male ad would say ‘Uniform fetish’ but apparently we’re too delicate.

❖ Bisexual boston babe ‘femalely handsome’ looking for someone who’s ‘nice to look at, not a feminist and not a bitch’. Next!

❖ Lonesome in Wyoming, Bisexual Bodybuilder, Softball is over, time to find someone warm for winter, Reubenesque Arkansas Buddhist…

❖ Find a girl who sounds promising– seems interesting and is not too far away. Spend a day or so composing a letter with a pen and piece of paper introducing yourself. If you don’t have a photo of yourself that you like, have a friend take one. Then finish the roll of film and bring it to the Fotomat and wait a day or so and then pick up the prints and hope you like one of them. Choose one anyway, and put it in the envelope with your letter.

❖ Get a stamp, hang it on the mailbox, never hear anything ever again.

❖ One month later, go to your mailbox and see that your copy of Deneuve has arrived.

[homomenhommes]

THIS DAY IN GAY HISTORY

based on: The White Crane Institute's 'Gay Wisdom', Gay Birthdays, Gay For Today, Famous GLBT, glbt-Gay Encylopedia, Today in Gay History, Wikipedia, and more …

1601 – King Louis XIII of France born (d.1643) also Louis II of Navarre, called the Just (French: le Juste), ruled as King of France and Navarre from 1610 to 1643. There is no evidence as to whether or not Louis had lovers, but persistent rumors insinuated that the King may have been homosexual or bisexual. Tallemant des Reaux, in his Historiettes, gives quite explicit (but second hand) descriptions of what happened in the king's bed.

On November 9 1615, aged only 14, Louis XIII was married to a Hapsburg Princess, Anne of Austria (1601-66), daughter of King Philip III of Spain (1578-1621). This marriage followed a tradition of cementing military and political alliances between the Catholic powers of France and Spain with royal marriages. Their sexual relationship did not begin (other than the consummation of the wedding) until 1619 (when he was 18). The marriage, like many Bourbon-Habsburg relationships, was only briefly happy, and the King's duties often kept them apart. After 23 years of marriage and four miscarriages, Anne finally gave birth to a son in 1638.

1944 – Patrick Haggerty, lead singer of Lavender Country, was born and raised on a dairy farm near Port Angeles, Washington (d.2020). After college he joined the Peace Corps, but was discharged in 1966 for being gay. He later became an artist and an activist with the local chapter of the Gay Liberation Front after moving to Seattle to pursue graduate studies at the University of Washington.

His band, Lavender Country, was an American country music band formed in 1972, whose self-titled 1973 album is the first known gay-themed album in country music history.

Based in Seattle, Washington, the band consisted of lead singer and guitarist Patrick Haggerty, keyboardist Michael Carr, singer and fiddler Eve Morris and guitarist Robert Hammerstrom (the only heterosexual member).

The 1973 album was funded and released by Gay Community Social Services of Seattle, with funding and production assistance from activist Faygele Ben-Miriam. The band performed at the first Seattle Pride event in 1974, and performed at numerous pride and other LGBT events throughout Washington, Oregon and California until their dissolution in 1976.

In 2000, the Journal of Country Music published an article on gay country musicians, focusing in large part on Haggerty and Lavender Country. As a result of the renewed attention, the album was rereleased on CD in December 1999, and in 2000 the band released a five-song EP, Lavender Country Revisited, which featured three rerecordings of songs from the original album and two new songs. The band reunited briefly in 2000, performing the album in its entirety at Seattle's Broadway Performance Hall in January 2000, and at that year's Seattle Pride. In addition, the album was archived at the Country Music Hall of Fame by former Journal of Country Music editor Chris Dickinson.

Their song "Cryin' These Cocksucking Tears" was included in the 2012 compilation album Strong Love: Songs of Gay Liberation 1972-1981.

1982 – Jason Wu is a Taiwanese-Canadian fashion designer who became an overnight sensation when the first lady, Michelle Obama, wore one of his gowns to the inaugural ball in 2009. Mrs. Obama chose a Wu design again for the inaugural ball in 2013.

Wu was born in Taipei, Taiwan. His parents, who own an import-export business, recognized Jason’s creative talent at age 5. His mother would drive him to bridal stores so he could sketch the dresses. He learned to sew by producing doll clothes.

When Wu was 9, the family moved to Vancouver, British Columbia. He attended Loomis Chaffee, a prestigious Connecticut prep school. At 16, he was designing doll clothes for Integrity Toys. A year later, Wu was named the company’s creative director. Wu attended the Parsons School of Design in New York. In 2004, he dropped out six months before graduation to intern for designer Narciso Rodriquez.

In 2006, at age 24, Wu launched his own label and presented his first ready-to-wear collection. His clients include Ivana Trump, actresses January Jones and Kerry Washington, and RuPaul, for whom he designed six RuPaul dolls. In 2008, Wu was recognized with the Fashion Group’s International Rising Star Award.Ikram Goldman, of the Chicago boutique Ikram, introduced Wu’s designs to Michelle Obama. Wu created a sparkling white chiffon inaugural gown for her and submitted it to Ikram. Wu didn’t know until he saw the first lady on television that she had chosen his design. Wu, who was 26, became the youngest designer to outfit a first lady for the inauguration. "I was over the moon," he said. "I didn't think it was my turn yet."

Wu’s inaugural ball gowns for Mrs. Obama are on display at the Smithsonian Institution. 

Jason Wu lives in New York City with his business partner and boyfriend, Gustavo Rangel. Wu has grown his label into an internationally acclaimed fashion brand.

1994 – Real Menard , a Montreal representative of the Bloc Quebecois, becomes the second MP to come out when he tells reporters that he is "speaking for the community" to which he belongs when he protests the televised statements of another member of Parliament, Roseanne Skoke of Nova Scotia, among which is the claim that "this [gay and lesbian] love, this compassion, based on an inhuman act, defiles humanity, destroys family … and is annihilating mankind."

[lambsaw]

Portland Oregon 25th Wedding Anniversary Trip - 12th to 20th September 2023

Our first trip overseas in six years! The reason was to mark our silver wedding anniversary. The destination because our air miles would get us there and back business class.

From research we anticipated Portland as a chill, fun and laid back city. It proved to be all that in spades over the weekend period of our visit. The city was buzzing from early doors onwards and the vibe was really engaging. Our hotel, Woodlark, is in downtown and has a well regarded restaurant and cocktail bar. Our room was spacious, with a big sofa for extra lounging. Hot coffee delivered first thing and a kettle for making tea were appreciated details. The bathroom was filled with delicious toiletries by Sangre di Frutta.

We’d already decided on more chilling, strolling and people watching than activities and it’s well positioned for that. Close to Pioneer Square, to trams and bus routes, to the Livingroom Theatre cinema and Powell’s wonderful book shop. For Steven the cherry on the cake was a cigar shop straight across the road! It made carrying back 200 cigars that much easier for him.

Oregon is a heavily wooded state with mountains and much natural beauty. We didn’t hire a car, so to get a sense of nature we grabbed a light train to Washington Park, a large slice of greenery in the city. A shuttle bus was a nice to see round the park before we jumped off to visit the Japanese Gardens. Beautiful and apparently authentic, they are designed to support your mind in becoming stiller so you can better appreciate what is around you.

A fun snack of a a ‘sno kone’ followed. Living the dream.

We found a nice cinema close to the hotel when we got back, with a bar and food to be delivered to your chair to enjoy whilst watching a film. The film in question was Jules, a beautiful little film about an older man who finds an alien crash landed in his garden. He and two friends help the alien, whom the name Jules.

The cinema was so nice that we also went to see Cassandro (gay wrestler feel good movie) and Fremont (Afghani translator seeks love). All wonderful films. We don’t go to see films often, so this was a massively fun adventure.

Food was also a key point. Our main celebration was the tasting menu at Le Pigeon with excellent wine pairings. Everything was wonderful, food, wine, the setting and service. It was a knockout and pleasurable evening, to remembered for a long time.

We also had a stupendous beef rib at the restaurant in the Woodlark accompanied by a fragrant Oregon Pinot Noir. And a delicious steak dinner with many extras at The Nines hotel. And a surprisingly good burger at a dive called Killer Burger. And sumptuous breakfasts twice at Mother’s Bistro.

We have walked around five miles day, which still in way has justified all that wonderful food.

What we hadn’t learned before we set off on our journey was the Portland has many people living rough. So many have mental health and addiction issues, as you’d expect anywhere. So many seemed like people in their twenties who had just lost their homes and jobs yesterday. Women still wearing summer dresses and sandals, while pulling suitcases or carrying bags. Downtown has many empty buildings so it’s not comfortable to see homeless beside so much potential shelter.

Lots of good things, shopping is tax free, people are laid back and casually dressed, it’s easy to walk about, and there are some lovely neighbourhoods.

[sasa-chans-random-history]

January 08

[871] Battle of Ashdown: Ethelred I of Wessex and his brother Alfred the Great beat invading Danish army.

[1297] Monaco gains its independence.

[1310] The Great Frost: In London the Thames River froze so thickly bonfires were lit on it.

[1499] King Louis XII of France after papal divorce marries Anne, Duchess of Brittany to keep duchy for the crown.

[1806] Lewis and Clark find the skeleton of 105' blue whale in Oregon.

[1811] US Vice President John C. Calhoun (28) weds Floride Bonneau (19).

[1835] President Andrew Jackson achieves his goal of entirely paying off the United States' national debt. It was the only time in U.S. history that the national debt stood at zero, and it precipitated one of the worst financial crises in American history.

[1930] Belgium Princess Marie-Jose weds Italy's Crown Prince Umberto.

[1948] Queen Wilhelmina of Netherlands signs death sentence against Ans van Dijk for treason.

[1959] A triumphant Fidel Castro enters Havana, having deposed the American-backed regime of General Fulgencio Batista.

[1961] The French vote for Algerian independence from French rule in the wake of seven years of guerrilla war.

[1963] At the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, is exhibited for the first time in America.

[1978] Harvey Milk becomes the 1st openly gay person elected to public office in California.

[1998] Comedian and actress Roseanne Barr files for divorce from 3rd husband Ben Thomas.

[2001] The identities of 2 boys who murdered a toddler in 1993 will be kept secret, the High Court rules.

[2018] Puerto Rican singer and actor Ricky Martin (46) reveals he has wed Syrian-Swedish painter Jwan Yosef (33).

[2020] Duke and Duchess of Sussex announce they are stepping back as "senior" royals, will work towards becoming financially independent.

[2021] Twitter bans US President Donald Trump permanently "due to the risk of further incitement of violence".

[marbleheavy]

Marble's Official 2021 Fic Recommendations

I know that I just posted a bunch of fic rec lists but here is the for realsies one! There will probably be some crossover but I want to make sure these fics get the praise they deserve because goddamn, I read some great fics this year. in an attempt to not make this the longest list in the world, these are all fics that either were published/finished in 2021 OR I read them for the very first time in 2021!

all because you kissed me goodnight by @buoyantsaturn

(6/6) 73,861 words

"I was just waiting for everybody to settle in so I could let you all know that there’s only gonna be one rule this year, and it’s that there’s no straights allowed.” Nico heard a few laughs from the other counselors, and cracked a smile. “That’s not even my rule! That came straight from Chiron. So, sorry, looks like Annabeth and Percy are gonna have to break up. However, I am a merciful ruler, so I will allow you both to stay here to work for the summer, as long as you promise to act as gay as possible.”

And then also Ceejay’s entire Camp Counselor AU

Notable Tags: Trans Will Solace, Alternate Universe—Summer Camp

all’s well that ends well to end up with you by NikkiRA

(1/1) 4,493 words

As he is looking out across the hall in a panic, he locks eyes with Percy, who mouths move! at him. He thinks about every single person he’s ever known all shoved together in a room where he will be the center of attention for the entire day. He thinks about every eye on him. He thinks about Will’s sunny relatives judging him. He thinks, for some reason, about the green hat Bianca always used to wear.

He thinks about Will, waiting at the end of the tacky red carpet.

He moves his feet.

Notable Tags: Wedding Fluff (sobs uncontrollably)

The Ballad of Ladon Creek by @gatesofember

(31/31) 73,910 words

Doctor Will Solace had lived in the secluded Oregon town of Ladon Creek for a year when a mysterious stranger arrived and turned his world upside down.

Notable Tags: Alternate Universe—Western, Trans Will Solace

beyond all ideas of right and wrong by @xoames

(4/4) 18,819 words

THE HALFBLOODS: THE RISE, DECLINE, AND REBIRTH OF THE EARLY 2000’S BIGGEST ROCK BAND

“Well, I’m not going to point fingers,” says ex-manager Annabeth Jackson (née Chase), who worked with the band from 2000 to 2015. “There were a lot of factors… fame got to some people, others got riled up over creative enterprise, and their constant being together probably didn’t help. Not to mention the drugs, the drinking, the drama— they were thrust into the spotlight before they were ready to actually want it."

Read more

Or: one week with Rolling Stone, thirty years with the same band, one long-term relationship, a major book deal, and far, far too much press bullshit for frontman Nico di Angelo to deal with.

Notable Tags: Alternate Universe—Rock Band, Addiction, Homophobia

do you need a little space to breathe? by @buoyantsaturn

(2/2) 14,235 words

Will is a YouTuber. Nico is a Twitch streamer. mom said its MY turn to write this au.

Notable Tags: Flirting (screams and cries and throws up)

And the companion fic can’t make this wrong when I see your face by @yrbeecharmer is part of the same AU and it is exceptional!

(1/1) 12,950 words

The whole situation was throwing Nico off. He was already in love with Will, so of course he wanted to look good, to be cool, to impress him. But Will was already in love with him, so was there anything Nico could wear or say or do that wouldn’t? What if there was? What if they got there and realized whatever this was… didn’t work in person? That, face-to-face, the spark wasn’t actually there?

The Most Beautiful Sound I’ve Ever Heard by @ewtp

(2/2) 20,289 words

Nico di Angelo- the bravest person Will's ever known- was falling apart.

Notable Tags: Angst, PTSD, Eating Disorders

In which will solace’s gentle hands pay off by @pinkerpick

(1/1) 1,025 words

“Would it be okay,” Nico asks, just barely audible over the explosions on the laptop screen, “if I sat in your lap?”

will is trusted to carry nico’s weight, physical and otherwise, and for that he thanks the gods.

Notable Tags: Touch-Starved (screams and cries and throws up)

lich by @pinkerpick

(1/1) 2,609 words

He’d stand slowly, shake off whatever dust or dirt he could and he’d trudge on. There were no scars—only the phantom of pain, and the leftover blood between his teeth.

Notable Tags: he died but he got better lol

Lo-Fi Heartbeats by paint_splatt and alchemical_acrobat

(1/1) 13,285 words

Nico is an up-and-coming Twitch streamer. Will is a popular YouTuber. Shenanigans ensue.

Notable Tags: YouTube AU

magic lantern to somebody whose body casts no light by orphan_account (posting bangers 24/7)

(1/1) 5,642 words

it’s been two hundred and forty-one days, and the first human will sets eyes on looks like death in an oversized hawaiian shirt.

Notable tags: Zombie Apocalypse AU

When The Day Bleeds by Sniperks

(2/2) 24,184 words

In a world where Nico has nothing to lose, he meets a boy who shows him that there is everything to gain.

Notable Tags: Character Death, Zombie Apocalypse AU

you and i were (fireworks) by @americanbeautiies

(10/10) 33,434 words

After a few rough months and very nearly hitting rock bottom, Nico di Angelo ends up back in town. It's simple: he'll live with his sister, help her run the family flower shop, and will definitely NOT stay longer than he has to. A few months, tops, and he means it this time.

Will the too friendly tattoo artist living next door end up changing that, though?

Notable Tags: Alternate Universe—Flower Shop & Tattoo Parlor, Slow Burn

That is all for fics, folks! I read a million amazing fics this year and I honestly could have made this list miles long so I'm gonna add some extra authors I would highly recommend!

@venusthemirror

@rainnows

@ethannku

@rosyredlipstick

[genderswappodcast]

masterlist of quizzes taken on the Gender Swap podcast!!

Episode 9: Go On a Date With Garfield And I Will Tell You How You'll Die

Episode Bonus: babe wake up, new genders dropped

Episode 10: what classic vampire are you?

Patreon Episode 12: which woman of horror are you?

Episode 12: Which Dark Academia Halloween creature matches your personality?

Patreon Episode 13: Halloween Choose Your Own Adventure Quiz

Episode 13: What villainous animal sidekick are you? (generic animals)

Patreon Episode 14: 1) Design Your Fairy Life To Find Out Which Of Tinker Bell's Friends You Are 2) what obscure Pixie Hollow fairy-talent would you be

Episode 14: how u pass the time at home depot while your mother is buying gravel for her new flowerbed

Patreon Episode 16: Which horrible Christmas song are you?

Episode 16: Let me match you with a beanie baby by psychoanalyze you

Patreon Episode 17: Christmas

Episode 17: which absurd tumblr banned word are you?

Patreon Episode 18: who’s your future cartoon husband?

Episode 18: what kind of supervillain are you?

Patreon Episode 19: 1) let me kin assign you one of my idiot cats 2) rancid-o-meter

Episode 19: 1) What type of dad are you based on what you wear to the barbecue? 2) answer these unoriginal questions and I’ll assign you a slightly off guy to fix

Patreon Episode 20: What Cryptid are YOU?

Episode 20: What soup are you

Patreon Episode 21: what dinosaur are you?

Episode 21: organize a wedding for someone you hate

Patreon Episode 22: come to my masquerade & i will give you something you need

Episode 22: Build A Wizard Tower & Get A Housewarming Gift

Patreon Episode 23: What kind of discourse would start about you if you were a fictional character

Episode 23: how you'd die in charlie and the chocolate factory based on increasingly irrelevant questions

Patreon Episode 24: what position on a ship would you be?

Episode 24: how would you have died on the oregon trail?

Patreon Episode 25: take this quiz & we'll assign u an anime hair type & gender

Episode 25: Would you survive aboard The Revenge? (Our Flag Means Death)

Patreon Episode 26: What kind of gay cowboy are you?

Patreon Episode 27: In what time period were you turned into a vampire?

Episode 27: Which type of demon are you? and are you a angel or a demon?

Patreon Episode 28: rate some texts and i’ll give you a dinosaur

Episode 28: find out if I'd shove you off a cliff

Episode 29: what type of zoo enclosure should you be kept in

Episode 58: go through a nighttime routine and ill tell you what kind of villain you are

[sweetbasilor]

Special of the month. #thaifood #myfab5 #travelportland #sweetbasilor #vegan #vegetaria #อาหารไทยในต่างแดน #basilbarpdx #yummy #portland #yelppdx #deliciousfood #foodnetwork #gay #lesbian #thaistagram #mangostickyrice #oregon #OR #wedding #catering #thaicatering #cheers #drinkup #ladynight #happyhour #foodiesinportland #foodies #yum #bestPDX (at Portland, Oregon)

[hannigramficrecs]

Spacedogs

Strange Diamonds by sku7314977 [words: 35,297]

An innocent trip to the museum turns into an unexpected adventure flipping Adam's world upside down when he's tricked into being the drop man for a double-cross exchange between a thug and the guy stealing his wife.

Space Invader by Devereauxs_Disease [words: 28,512]

Nigel isn't handling his divorce well. When a good Samaritan starts leaving him gifts on his balcony, Nigel gets suspicious. What could go wrong?

Craigslist by Llewcie [words: 28,477]

After Beth leaves Adam, he thinks about how to deal with everything on his own - selling the apartment, packing for California, communicating with people there - and decides to post an ad on Craiglist. He’s looking for someone who can “take care of things” for him - things that are “messy” and “complicated”. Nigel answers the ad, expecting to be hired as a contract killer. He ends up becoming a very odd version of Jeeves.

The Wedding Date by slashyrogue [words: 3,088]

Adam asks Nigel to accompany him to his ex girlfriend Beth's wedding.

At First Glance by stratumgermanitivum [words: 9,252]

Adam met Nigel completely by accident, when Nigel showed up at his side at a bar and pretended to be his boyfriend to ward off an unwanted admirer. A few weeks later, when Nigel asked Adam to return the favor, Adam couldn't bring himself to say no. It was one of the first lies Adam had ever told, but it was certainly not the last.

The Set Up by Devereauxs_Disease [words: 4,178]

Nigel decides if he can't have Adam, someone great should. So he plays wingman for his friend/secret crush and sets Adam up on a date with a gorgeous woman. What could possibly go wrong? OR—The fic where Beverly Katz learns to see the fun in blind dates.

Hello Gorgeous, Love Your Left Hook by Ishxallxgood [words: 4,920]

Adam accidentally punches a stranger in the face and finds out that he might just be a little bit gay. Nigel just got punched in the face, and finds out that the perpetrator is just as gorgeous as his left hook.

Marbles by Llewcie [words: 5,561]

Adam moves to a new neighborhood and promptly loses a prized possession to the neighborhood bully. But when the tables are turned, Adam extracts a promise from Nigel that will follow them through the years. The friendship that develops as a result will end up meaning more to them than they ever could have anticipated.

Integrate by Watermelonsmellinfellon [words: 10,692]

The slow integration of Nigel into Adam Raki's life. Little, accidental meetings between them blossom into much more than either believed possible.

Don't Take Them Off by whatacunningboy [words: 2,579]

Adam has taken up a new hobby with Beth and wants to show Nigel some of the things he has learned.

Pochemuchka by slashyrogue [words: 1,441]

Alpha Nigel gets roped into taking the empty bartender spot on Omega Speed Dating Night where he happens to meet a certain blue eyed omega.

Kiss the Sky by gleamingandwholeanddeadly (something_safe), printersdeadly, printersdevils (tuesdaysgone) [words: 12,418]

Nigel wasn't exactly expecting a drug deal at the Rose Bowl Flea Market to turn into a blind date, but he's certainly not complaining about going home with Adam Raki instead of Darko.

Scent by slashyrogue [words: 922]

The infuriating scent of one particular omega was following Nigel around. Or Nigel finds his true mate who doesn't seem to want to meet him.

When A Star Is Born, They Possess A Gift Or Two by DarkmoonSigel [words: 4,268]

Kind of working with the movies but not. Nigel gets divorced instead of dying. Adam lives in Portland, Oregon instead of California. It's just a fun little story about flirting and falling in love.

Green Card by Devereauxs_Disease [words: 30,107]

Adam is about to lose his apartment. He can't bear the idea of leaving the only home he's known. Luckily, the building's super, Mr. Dalca, has a proposal: Marry his friend Nigel so that Nigel can get a Green Card and stay in the country. It's a simple deal - Adam won't even have to live with Nigel. But when the government starts checking on whether or not Adam's marriage is legit, he's forced to live with a husband he never wanted. Will they make it work? Or Will they kill each other?

9,941 Degrees Fahrenheit by LectersDaughter, LittleSpacePrince [words: 11,276]

All he knew was the biological need to be taken and bred by an alpha, by Nigel, and that he was afraid. “Nigel… Nigel, I… I'm… Nigel, I think I presented.” Adam whispered shakily, grabbing tight to Nigel’s hand. If Nigel thought he was shocked before, he was terribly mistaken. His heart all but stopped altogether when those few words slipped from his angel’s lips. He inhaled deeply, scenting the air for that unmistakable smell. He sat up abruptly when he found it, the scent of an omega. His omega. And his omega was in heat.

Star Stuff by AdmiralApathy [words: 5,724]

Gabriella Ibanescu rented a book from Adam's quaint corner bookstore and Adam manages to track her address; however, when Adam shows up there is only Nigel and Nigel has no idea why anyone in their right mind would assume he has some book about Orbits Motioning or whatever.

Idle Worship by honorablementioned [words: 1,111]

Nigel wants to bite. He wants to nibble and chew and worry something, anything, against his teeth. He wants something bitter to hit the back of his throat and wants to chomp down on anything in reach, just to feel okay again. It’s one night with Adam, who had asked him so sweetly to have sex, that the idea occurs to him.

Welcome to California by TigerPrawn [words: 13,708]

Omega Adam is moving to California to take up his new job. Alpha Nigel leaves Bucharest with a head injury and amnesia and is off to start a new life in the States. The pair meet by accident and may find their lives become entwined...

We Are Blinding by stratumgermanitivum, whiskeyandspite for LoveHonorCookie [words: 5,298]

Nigel doesn't die at the end of Charlie Countryman, instead he goes to New York to escape painful memories and give himself a break. Depressed and bored, Nigel's not looking for much, until a beautiful angry boy runs into him with a box of office supplies and changes his life.

Midnighters by drinkbloodlikewine, whiskeyandspite [words: 52,228]

Nigel does not need another man on his team for this heist. He doesn't fucking need one. And he certainly doesn't need Adam fucking Raki, but there he fucking is.

Hurt by slashyrogue [words: 2,489] 

Adam and Nigel have been broken up for months when he starts to see Nigel's new boyfriend leaving every morning.

Bonded by slashyrogue [words: 1,994] 

There were many people who could tell you what it felt like to lose a mate, but very few who could tell you the pain of the loss when your mate was still alive. Nigel was now one of those unlucky few.

Strangers in the Night by Rising_Phoenix [words: 10,063]

On his way home from a disastrous party, heartbroken Adam comes across an injured man who needs help...a night that will change both their lives...

Safe by slashyrogue [words: 968] — (Spacedogs)

A burglar breaks into the apartment and Nigel protects his Star.

Meet Cute at the 20th Precinct by thymogenic [words: 5,136]

Adam gets arrested and meets a handsome stranger in a police station. Somehow, drunken kisses ensue.

[wisdomfish]

Resources On LGBTQ+

Audio and Video

Rosaria Butterfield’s Alternative To Revoice

Rosaria Butterfield: From Victim To Guest: Sexuality, Intersectionality, and Hospitality

AGR Audio: Rosaria Butterfield—From Victim To Guest

Heidelcast 135: Calls About Bears, Corporate Repentance, Revoice, FV, And A Poll (UPDATED)

With Presbycast On Same-Sex Attraction, Side B, And Concupiscence

Audio: Bob Godfrey On How Christians Ought To Respond To Same-Sex Marriage

Articles

“Homosexual” And “Homosexuality” In The New Testament

All Welcome. No Exceptions.

Homosexual Desire Is Also Sin

Rosaria Butterfield: Believers Are Not Defined By Their Sins

Revoice, Nashville, And The Therapeutic Revolution

Gagnon: Revoice Is About Self-Affirmation Not Repentance

On Jesus, Assumptions, Temptation, And Speculation

It Was Not So From The Beginning: What Nature And Grace Teach Us About SSA

Gay Christians?

Same-Sex Attraction Is Not A Means of Grace

Therapy, Sin, and Shame

Is Persisting Sin Our Identity And May We Offer It To God?

May Churches In Oregon Be Sued For Refusing To Host LGBTQ Weddings? It Depends

Did God Make Mayor Pete Gay?

They Are Coming For Your Children

Christians To Be Made To Stop Calling Homosexuality Sin?

Presbyterians And Homosexuals Together: The Crisis Of Christ And Culture

The Michael Sam Case: Is Being Homosexual The Same As Being Black?

Rational Responses To Attacks From Advocates Of Homosexual Marriage

The Judgment Of An Apostolic Father On Homosexuality

Foucault: Homosexuality Is A Social Construct

Why Equality is the Wrong Category By Which to Analyze Homosexual Marriage

R. Scott Clark Opposes Homosexual Marriage

All Sins Are Not Alike: Porneia, Chastity, And Wisdom

St Paul’s “Vile Speech”

Paul Cites Homosexual Behavior As Proof of Natural Law

The Theological Roots of Resurgent Homosexuality

American College Of Pediatricians: Children Need Heterosexual Parents

American College of Pediatricians: No One is Born Homosexual

So What? How Does Homosexual Marriage Affect Me?

How to React to Homosexuals in the Congregation?

Natural Law, the Two Kingdoms, and Homosexual Marriage

On Jesus, Assumptions, Temptation, And Speculation

Homosexuality: Untethered From Natural Law

It is Not Heroic To Be A Celibate Homosexual

Bakersfield School Board Member Resigns:What It Means

What Happens After The End Of Nature?

Opposing Same-Sex Marriage Not Like Opposing Inter-Racial Marriage

What Is At Stake In The “Gender” Debate?

Half-Way Down The Slippery Slope

In The Middle Of The Slippery Slope

Pay No Attention To That Slippery Slope Behind The Curtain

It Was A Slippery Slope

If It’s News Is it Still A Slippery Slope?

The Normalization Of Pedophilia Approaches

What The Gay Pride Movement Should Know About God’s Rainbow

What Was A Comedy Sketch Is Now Daily Life In The USA

Why You Should Not Let Hollywood Catechize Your Children

Sympathy for Angus

The Tyranny Of The New State-Religion: Incoherence

Follow The Money: Opponents Of Religious Liberty Spending Large Sums

The World Was Made To Be Known And You Were Made To Know It

PCA Presbytery Objects To ‘Post-Freudian Blather’

A Scholar Talks Honestly About Academic Freedom And The Transgender Phenomenon

Between Pearls And Privatization

Documentary: Chicago BLM Crushes Congregation And Deli Over LGBTQ Agenda

Trueman: A New Pastoral Problem

The Queering Of The Zoomers

[waitingfortheendtocome]

Forced To Let Go CH 2

This is the second chapter of my Jemily fic Forced to Let Go. I’m sorry for delaying it, I kind of got caught up in the game Lara Croft: Tomb Raider lol.

Looking back at this story I realized I turned it into two chapters not Three. Whoops lol If you want to see a third part to this story let me know and I’ll be happy to write it. I was honestly going to make it more angsty by adding some ideas I have in my head but decided against it and ending it here.

I’m working on the second chapter to my Ocean’s 8 Lou Miller/Reader fic and I’ll pot it as soon as I finish it. I’m just working on the angle on how I want the story to go. :)

Warnings: No major warning except Angst andd even more Angst.  

****************************************************

Two Days Later

Day of Wedding

Emily had arrived at the wedding a little late. It hurt too much to come and watch the woman she loved marry someone else and knowing she probably essentially pushed them together. Just the thought made her heart clench heavily. The other reason why she was late was because she technically didn’t have anything to wear since she packed all her belongings and put them in the trunk of her car. She had already given her landlord the keys to the apartment before she drove to the wedding. Her intentions were to come for the ceremony and sneak away and leave as soon as it was over, not able to bear to be there any longer let alone say goodbye to anyone.

Emily had gone to the bar to drink a little and be away from everyone only for Morgan to catch up unfortunately for her the man had been extremely observant since he had noticed how quiet and closed off she was after talking to him she confessed about her leaving much to his disappointment and Hotch popping up trying to talk her out of it but she shook her head stating she had already made the decision looking away and walking away but both men knew it was much more they where profilers they knew something else was driving Emily to pack up and leave but they didn’t pressure her. Instead they both made a point in making her final night with them worthwhile and memorable even though Emily doubted anything could cheer her up but nodded smiling not wanting to disappoint them.

The wedding ceremony started without delay and JJ walked down the aisle. Emily watched her walk down the aisle and Emily couldn’t look away. Emily thought JJ looked breathtakingly beautiful, she looked like an angel in her white dress and she couldn’t look away. The dress hugged her figure perfectly and her hair styled to perfection but what snapped her out of it was the smile. Emily saw JJ give Will the happiest smile she has given anyone and that broke Emily all over again but she pushed it back. 

When JJ walked past Emily, Emily made sure not to meet JJ’s eyes instead she looked at Will’s direction and didn’t help but roll her eyes slightly. She looked around making sure no one noticed and was relieved when no one did. Emily after sat through the long ceremony and watched them say their final I do. After the priest asked if anyone objected and no one did despite the fact that Emily loved her but she wouldn’t be cruel despite the outcome. During that minute paused Emily caught JJ looking at her and Emily’s eyes flashed with pain but hid it instead Emily looked down and away pretending to look to see if anyone would object.

***************************************************

The reception party began quickly after, it had started a bit ago and Emily began walking around watching her team. Her now ex-team danced and partied the night away, celebrating JJ and Will now husband and wife’s wedding. It was at this moment that she decided to leave. Seeing them dancing smiling happily made Emily wonder why she did after so many times JJ expressed that she couldn't see herself marrying Will. 

Emily herself found the man slightly controlling given how he forced JJ to tell the rest of the team that they were officially even threatening to break up over it and on top of that forcing JJ to tell the team about the pregnancy and even telling them himself when she wasn’t ready. Emily knew he made her happy but some of his behaviors unnerved Emily and she secretly had hoped JJ would choose to be with her but she knew it would never happen despite their fling and quite frankly she wasn’t surprised.

Emily watched Garcia dancing with Morgan, Hotch dancing with Beth and Rossi with Strauss. JJ dancing with Will. Emily walked near a tree and her eyes suddenly locked with JJ, Emily could see the look of regret and apologetic and Emily’s eyes betrayed how heartbroken she was. Emily simply walked on mouthing out congratulations, eyes more on Will than at JJ. Emily didn’t want to make JJ feel bad at her wedding so she locked eyes one more time to see JJ mouthing out an apology and Emily despite herself gave a single curt nod at her as a way of telling her it was fine and it didn’t matter. 

She made sure she kept up a mask of calm and indifference all the while she pretended she was happy and enjoying herself. Despite feeling led on and hurt she was actually happy for JJ but at the same time she just couldn’t express it at the moment. Although Emily knew that JJ could see through the fake smile and sudden professional nod, JJ has seen her use it too many times it was the same indifferent professional nod she gave anyone she meets while working cases or even anyone her mother introduces her.

At this point Emily had to keep her distance and stay far from her best friend and being indifferent was the only way they thought she could. As well as running away Emily seems to be a pro at doing that too.

Emily walked to her table to grab another drink when she felt someone tap her shoulder. Looking over her shoulder to find Morgan staring intensely at her with a knowing look beside him was Spencer.

“What’s up guys?” Emily questioned

Morgan glanced at Spencer than at Emily, “I was going to talk to you.”

“Same, us coming here at the same time is a coincidence although I have to say Emily don't think I haven’t noticed.” Spencer told her eyebrow raised

Emily gulped nervously wondering what he was talking about. She knew he wasn’t aware of her leaving since it was a last minute thing and she has been very subtle when it came down to her crush on JJ not to mention her relationship with the blonde or lack of relationship.

“Emily I saw the look you gave JJ just now and could read right through it and no I wasn’t profiling. If that look doesn’t scream I’m not happy for you than I don’t know what is also I noticed a few months now how distance you’ve been with her, you only talk to her professionally when it involves cases and when she wants to have a casual conversation you either pretend you're interested or make an excuse and walk away.” Spencer explained worried

“I have noticed as well Prentiss. Tell us what’s really going on with you. I know you went through a lot and this is something that’s much more then.” Morgan told her arms crossed

“Ugh what did I say about profiling.” Emily told them irritated

“It wasn’t profiling Emily. You’re in love with her... Emily why didn’t you ever told her even before she meet him.” Reid tone was frantic and changed to disappointment at the last part of his sentence as if the idea of Emily never telling JJ was devastating to him

Emily froze and immediately flushed shaking her head, “Whatttt no what gave……..me and JJ? Nooo...we never…… I mean….” Emily stuttered but paused sighing taking a deep breath, “What I mean to say is nothing is going on between JJ and I.”

Morgan shook his head, not impressed by her excuse and Spencer rolled his eyes but his eyes shone in amusement.

“Emily who are you trying to fool, I’m a bisexual man I can tell you’re gay from a mile away and JJ is as closeted as they come and I know you two secretly slept together so I’ll asked again. Why didn’t you ever tell her, you know if you needed help I could have helped anything to get you two together.” Spencer explained crossing his arms equally disappointed

Emily’s jaw dropped for a moment shocked but sighed knowing they caught her and there was no way to lie to them and it would be nice to tell someone about it for a change.

“Okay fine I’ll tell you and I didn’t knew you where bisexual. How did I miss it?” Emily questions suspiciously

Reid laughed shaking his head and Morgan chuckled, “Emily I don’t exactly try to hide it you know. I didn’t just went to see my friend play you know.”

“Oh…….OHHH.. Go Reid.” Emily cheered earning a blush from the man

“You’re evasive Emily.” Morgan pointed out and Emily sighed

“Fine… long story short JJ and I had something going on for years even while JJ was with Will. I tried to stop it a few times but when things got serious between them I stopped it somewhat I only agreed to be with her a few times feeling it wrong. In Paris she stayed a while with me until I recovered and during that time we talked a lot she told me Will had proposed a few times and she refused him. She told me he isn’t the type she would marry and would never marry him. I asked her about her type and she told me she would rather date me and give me a chance… she even promised we can date when Doyle was captured we can start dating.” Emily told them sounding sad looking down

Both men looked at Emily worried but confused. They both looked at each other and thought the same thing. If JJ was willing to be with Emily what happened? They both looked back at JJ and Will dancing and back at Emily.

“What happened? That could be you there not him. Nothing against Will but between us three I rather see you and her there.” Morgan told Emily

“I second that.” Reid stated smiling brightly

Emily smiled weakly at them, “She changed her mind a few weeks ago during the Oregon worshiping ritual case I told her and asked rather what we were. Anyways she told me she can’t leave Will and cant hurt him… well more like tell me she cannot bear to hurt him. She also said she isn’t ready for that commitment or the consequences that came with it whatever that means….” Emily shrugged. Reid gave Emily a sad look out of all the reasons that was the last thing he was expecting and all Morgan did was shake his head frowning, also surprised and baffled.

“So she didn’t love you back? She could have fooled us don’t think we didn’t know about you two but none of us said anything because it wasn’t our business and you never got in the way of work.” Morgan pointed out

“That’s not important anymore… She is married now I have to get over her that’s why I have to get away… Guys are alright, it was nothing but a fling between friends. Friends with benefits but I put an end to it completely weeks ago.” Emily told them shaking her head

“Wait! Leave what do you mean leave.” Reid squeaked surprised

“Sorry Reid but I’m leaving for London. I was offered a position to be director of Interpol and I took it… I wasn’t going to but I have to get away…. I….is not the same after Doyle I would have stuck around but after what happened a few weeks ago and now this I really need to leave I already gave up my apartment and packed but I wasn’t going to leave without at least saying goodbye to you Reid I was actually going to go tell you before I leave in a twenty minutes.” Emily promised

Reid looked at her sad and put out but nodded, “I understand Emily, I would want to get away for a while too if I was in your shoes.”

Emily hugged them promising to keep in touch; they then pulled her to dance which earned a real laugh for the first time in weeks. After Morgan winked and went to distract everyone alone with Reid while Emily snuck away but not before Hugging Rossi and whispering her goodbye to him. He was saddened but nodded understanding and she took advantage and walked away looking back one last time. The team was all dancing and partying Morgan and Reid doing a really good job keeping everyone occupied and distracted so none of them even noticed she was gone. JJ was holding Will tightly smiling brightly which made Emily frown saddened the ache coming back full force making her eyes water.

“Bye JJ. Despite how things turned out I’ll always love you.” Emily whispered one last time to herself staring longingly at JJ’s direction before walking to her car and driving off to the airport.

An hour later Emily sat at the airplane drained but she could never sleep in an airplane the days events catching up to her but she knew there was no turning back and she had to get away from it all. She wondered how it was that Doyle single handedly took everything from her yet it was JJ’s wedding that became the last straw. A lone tear fell from her eyes, feeling the plane taking off.

Is for the best Emily. You have to forget her, she chose Will. Emily thought over and over again trying to remind herself.

“Forgetting someone as special as JJ is the hard part.” Emily sighed softly looking out the night sky watching the lights of the city fade into the distance.

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After the Wedding Reception

JJ looked around once she and the team finished cleaning up Rossi’s yard after cleaning they hung out for a while but JJ spent it thinking about Emily wondering where she was. JJ and Will an hour after it was all over drove home with Will originally they where suppose to go to a hotel to essentially have sex a couple but JJ wasn’t up telling Will another time but her mother had overheared and had none of it forcing her too thrilled to have her daughter finally marry what she described as an exemplary man who she always dreamed her daughter to marrying and JJ felt a wave of guilt thinking of Emily suddenly wondering if the wedding was a good idea when she knew who she truly loved was Emily.

She hasn’t seen Emily since they shared that look which hasn’t left her mind all night. She had a really bad feeling about it and she really wanted to talk to Emily and maybe straighten things she didn’t want to lose her best friend but something Reid said struck out just now that she couldn’t help but wonder if he was right. He had told her privately how sometimes during life and death situations is not wise to make major deciduous because you have the tendency of regretting them later on, that is why experts always say to wat twenty-four to forty-eight hours once the adrenaline is gone before making any decision and is worse if someone you care about nearly dies. What had unnerved JJ was the way Reid looked at her square in her eyes as they danced and said what he said to her made her heart drop but before she could ask they stopped dancing and went back to where Morgan and Garcia where and Rossi took over to dance with her.

“JJ I understand you almost lost the father of your son and want him around for Henry and to give him a family having him grow up with both parents close but why the sudden chance specially when you rejected the proposal so many times. Jayje as your friend and the godfather of your son know that experts say that you shouldn’t make big decisions like this as soon as you face extreme traumatic events or life and death situations you tend to regret them later.” Reid stated while spinning her gently

JJ looked confused at him, “What are you saying Spencer that I made a mistake marrying the father of my child who I love?” JJ looked baffled at him

Spencer shook his head at JJ, “There’s a difference between Loving someone and being in love with someone JJ for example I love you but as a sister I’m not in love with you romantically. They’re many different kinds of love JJ siblings, paternal, and you can love someone enough to procreate but not truly love them deeply in love with them.” Spencer spun them both gracefully while spinning JJ and catching her meeting JJ’s wide surprised eyes with his own knowing ones which JJ found unnerving.

JJ furrowed her eyebrows confused, “What’s w…”

Spencer interrupted her, his tone gently and kind, “I know more than I let on and all I can say is is stability, comfort, the obvious choice and family expectations really worth losing the person you’re truly in love with because trust me by the time you figure it out it’ll be to late. You said your I do’s to the obvious choice who had already giving up asking content with not marrying and trust me even Will had noticed. Think about it JJ and congratulations on the wedding regardless of your choice is your wedding and we are happy for you.” Reid stopped there dancing and winked walking away

“Wait Spencer.” JJ called out

“Yes?” Spencer quirked an eyebrow

“What do you mean and when did you learn to dance so well?” JJ’s voice was soft

“Just giving my best friend advice and Richard taught me.” Spencer gave JJ a wide grin and a knowing wink before walking away

That last part didn’t click to JJ right away until now the tone of pure fondness Spencer used when he said the name and when it clicked her eyes widen in realization that this Richard guy might be someone Spencer was dating but JJ didn’t knew Spencer way gay since she seen him show interest in girls too so that meant he was bisexual but that last part wasn’t what was in her head it was the entire conversation and when she looked around for Emily she couldn’t find her but before she could even go looking for her. Her mother and Garcia had shoved her in a car with Will sending her off.

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The Next Day

JJ snuck out of the hotel dressed in casual and ran off. The entire night her mind was on Emily but unfortunately she had to focus for an hour on Will. Usually she can get off fine with him but last night she found herself faking it for her husband's sake. Thankfully he was no profiler and JJ was a pretty good actress and he didn’t tell a difference. She felt guilty for doing that on her honeymoon night but she did say she wasn’t up for it but not wanting to ruin it for him.

JJ got in her car thinking about Emily, she had asked last night about her but no one had seen her so she had called Emily’s phone but it was off. Today JJ called a few more times but it was off again and became even more worried JJ left a note to Will letting him know she’ll be back.

JJ drove as quickly as she could to Emily’s apartment. She wondered why Emily would walk out in the middle of her wedding like that, it wasn’t like Emily and she wondered why. JJ knew she was a coward and chose the easy way out and regretted it. Reid’s words sunk in and she realized he knew about JJ’s relationship with Emily so that means he knew something more and he was expecting her to choose Emily.

JJ ran out of her car and inside JJ’s apartment building and up the stairs JJ stopped at Emily’s apartment door and knocked frantically but no one answered. Now that JJ thought about it Morgan gave her the same look and felt dread that they knew that she didn’t.

“EMILY.” JJ shouted, knocking violently at the door feeling more dread.

JJ wiggled the doorknob to find that it turned. Unlocked? JJ thought confused and barged in knowing it wasn’t like Emily to leave her door unlocked. JJ didn’t even think of the potential danger she rushed in the apartment calling out to Emily. JJ ran in the dark apartment looking everywhere.

“EMILY.” JJ called looking from room to room finding no one except an empty apartment it looked as it was abandoned. As if Emily never lived there. JJ’s eyes widened and suddenly felt a wave of nausea at the thought. She felt the air getting knocked out of her lungs.

“No.” JJ gasped and ran into Emily’s closet yanking the door open finding it empty. “Noooooo.” was all that left JJ’s lips sounded like a broken whimper

JJ searched all of Emily’s apartment to find Emily’s belongings gone; nothing was left; it was as if she never even lived there. A broken sob escaped JJs lips at the realization and it all made sense. The phone calls and Emily brushing off the question when Reid asked, Emily being distant towards her, the smile yet JJ knew it was faked the heartbreak that flashed in Emily’s eyes at the reception party when she was dancing with Will and again at the ceremony. Everything hit JJ and she crumbled broken sobs escaping her lips followed by heavy regrets and realization now Reid’s words made sense. JJ fell on Emily’s bed curling herself into a ball crying inconsolably.

“Emily…….I should have chosen you…..now it is too late.” JJ sobbed crying her body shaking with every sob, “I love you Em please come back. What have I done...I choose you Em….” JJ sobbed

She chose Will because she knew she did but her heart was with Emily and JJ knew she was the reason Emily left and she didn’t know when she’ll come back or if she’ll come back. JJ knew she had made a mistake.

JJ laid there for what seemed like hours crying thinking about the what if and how happy she was with Emily and more importantly how she blew it due to her fears. JJ’s phone ran suddenly startling. JJ’s struggled to stop crying, taking deep breaths after a bit handling her emotions. She picked it up hoping it was Emily but her heart sank when it was Will who was calling. She answered and sighed telling him she’ll be right there hanging up. A fresh wave of tears fell curling herself into a ball again ignoring her now husband in favor of laying there crying over the loss and heartbreak she felt at the realization that the woman she loved was gone.

“You didn’t even say goodbye.” JJ whimpered sobbing. JJ grabbed on to the covers sobbing uncontrollably over having lost her best friend and the woman she truly loved. The once warm lively apartment now felt cold and empty the sounds of JJ's sobbing echoing on the eerily silent apartment a constant reminder that Emily is truly gone and JJ now realizing the mistake she made and not able to take back.