#love and laughter

[lemonandhugs]

Always laughing together ❤️❤️❤️

[garyalanhidalgo]

OG Pride Was Literally a Riot: Stonewall Inn, Resistance, & Our LGBTQ+ Sanctuaries

Kamusta, my fabulous friends, and HAPPY PRIDE MONTH! 🏳️‍🌈🎉✨

June is HERE! To celebrate, I’m posting on a hopefully laid-back Sunday instead of just another Manic Monday as usual (our new schedule). Can you believe today is June 1? There’s a definite glitter shimmering in the air, anthems proudly playing, and best of all, the marvellous buzz of community, celebration, and yes, righteous defiance (only a healthy dose). From my experiences of Prides past, it’s what makes this time of year so spectacularly inspiring.

Last month, I rolled out the relaunches of the refreshed GaryAlanHidalgo.com and my romcom novel  The Hotel Cairo (out now, btw) by dishing on everything from soaps to ageism to the radical act of love and laughter. We also received an introduction to the importance of queer sanctuaries. Without such places, the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement would have been a whole different story, a sadder one. As we welcome Pride Month worldwide this June, we have to start at a gay bar on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village, New York City: The Stonewall Inn.

Before the Rainbows, There Was Resistance

Before the rainbow flags, the loud and proud parades, and the legalization of same-sex marriage equality (which has Stonewall to thank too), we can’t forget that the first Pride was a riot. The Stonewall Inn (popularly known as Stonewall) had a whole other life before four mafiosos linked with the Genovese crime family reopened it as a gay bar in early 1967. Despite bribes from the owners, it couldn’t secure a liquor license and therefore operated as a private club. As it became a popular hangout with young gay men and other queer characters, outsiders found more and more reason to harass it. It all came to a head in late June 1969 after one such unwarranted invasion. 

Per The Stonewall Inn website, “...one steamy summer night in 1969…” in NYC during an era when being out was illegal, Stonewall Inn was so reviled by polite society and the authorities that the Mafia ran it since no legitimate business owners would dare. Nevertheless, queer folks embraced it. It was one of the few places they could meet with some freedom. That didn’t mean this sanctuary was left in peace. Far from it, police raids were frequent and often violent. Every visit was intended to shame and terrorize its queer patrons during and even after they “visited.” The harassment didn’t stop with being arrested, customer names were also published in newspapers, so they’d lose their jobs, ruin their reputations, and ultimately, destroy their lives.

By that fateful night of June 28 when the riots began, Stonewall’s LGBTQ+ patrons, including gay men, butch lesbians, street kids, drag queens, trans women of color had enough not just of the police raiding one more time but ALL OF IT! Instead of fleeing law enforcement like usual, this time, these marginalized of the marginalized, fought back. The streets around the inn erupted in protests while they clashed with cops. In no way was it planned. It was rage built up over long-term bullying that finally spilled out. More importantly, it was a demand that queer people be allowed to gather in peace, be left with their dignity, to simply exist without fear. And LGBTQ+ folk are ever-resilient. The Stonewall riots lasted for six days from June 28 to July 3, 1969.

No matter what its customers personally thought about Stonewall Inn, it was a queer sanctuary: their sanctuary. No wonder they defended it with their lives, which is what the Stonewall rioters surely thought was at risk. But it was more than defending the building but shouting “NO MORE!” to being treated as less than human. Hopefully, you can likewise appreciate that bigger picture as we celebrate Pride Month again, not just at 53 Christopher Street, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, USA, but fifty-six years later, on a global scale. That first proud “NO MORE!” that steamy, Saturday night was the spark that ignited the flame of the modern queer rights movement long before today’s pageantry and anthems. 

Sanctuaries Then & Now: From Stonewall to The Hotel Cairo to Fantabulous!

There’s no better proof our community needs its sanctuaries than Stonewall. Places where we can be our authentic selves without judgement and safely are a thread that runs throughout LGBTQ+ history. It’s also a theme I love exploring in my fiction, whether it’s The Hotel Cairo where the new hotel manager, Fabian Flores, wants to sell his passionate “Love is Welcome Here” initiative to anti-love co-owner, Hughie Roman or the upcoming new mystery series, Fantabulous! itself set in a 90s gay bar. Both represent very different queer sanctuaries likewise invaded by uncaring, ignorant forces that end in protest and unfortunately, violence. Nevertheless, both were built out of the desire for a space where love, in all its forms, can breathe freely. Spoilers ahead! Nuff said!

“Let the lovers go.” Mayor Blair stuffed bills leisurely in Hughie’s underwear, then Hunky Hector’s. “They may not be into public displays of affection, but have become rather horny thanks to you, gentlemen. Better they get a room soon. God knows there are plenty of vacancies at the Hotel Cairo.” “The Hotel Cairo is doing just fine,” Hughie said. “Fabian has big plans for its future.” “I apologize for running off at the mouth.” He laughed. “You must be very invested in your hotel. Among other things.” Fabian had overheard Hughie defend him to the mayor. Before he could thank him, James pulled him to the middle of the dance floor as a slow couples-only eighties song took over. “It’s Careless Whisper, one of my all-time favorites,” James said. “We probably won’t get to dance to this until our wedding.” “Wedding?” Fabian felt his bladder loosen. “You’re pale as a ghost. I didn’t intend to frighten you. I meant we’re the grown-ups. When will we get the chance to dance again? At least in public.” “I need to tell you something.” It was time to own up to kissing not just another man but Hughie. Things were already moving too quickly for him to postpone. James was already planning the first dance at their wedding. If the truth meant being dumped again, then Fabian deserved to be hurt. “I-I …” “You?” James held him tighter as they swayed to George Michael’s wounded voice. “I love you,” he said matter-of-factly as he watched Hughie and Barry disappear into the office. “He loves me,” James shouted at his out-of-the-blue declaration. “Everyone, Fabian Flores said he loves me.” Everyone inside the Casablanca clapped and cheered. Deep down, Fabian always knew they had no future.

I cheated! While this scene is in The Hotel Cairo, it does not take place at the Hotel Cairo but the Casablanca, an alleged gay bar in the same conservative town and state of the titular queer sanctuary-to-be. As one protesting resident compared ominously:

“His uncle lies with man too,” the Hell woman piously growled. “The Hotel Cairo is Sodom, and the Casablanca is Gomorrah. Our town will suffer rape, cultic prostitution, male prostitution, and pederasty.”

With such pious growling in their ears daily, the local queer community need more than one safe space to gather their thoughts and feel safe with their chosen family. The characters in both The Hotel Cairo (navigating the post-2015 marriage equality and gay divorcee world) and Fantabulous! (confronting a 90s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and Matthew Shepard reality) mirror a quieter, everday type of resistance as well. Like you, they’re simply living their truths, seek connection, choose their families, and find love and laughter in a world that denies us what everyone else takes for granted. Thanks to our courage, we build communal and personal sanctuaries we fight to protect.

Pride is Still About That Fight

I first heard about Pride in the late-90s. It certainly was a must-attend celebration in West Hollywood where streets were closed for the main parade (Santa Monica Blvd. bye bye) as well as other epic events that were equally educational and strictly entertainment. I knew it was about being proud of who I was (finally!) and for the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. However, I didn’t know about Stonewall, which was the name of a lesbian bar where a friend took me to play pool. Not THE Stonewall. While twenty-something me enjoyed being in a safe place rather than feel out of place as in my conservative hometown, I was too caught up in the newness of the experience to care about the hard-won freedoms we enjoyed even then. I’m sorry I didn’t investigate how Pride came to be or the name that inspired the bar. 

This Pride Month 2025, let’s remember the courage of those marginalized of the marginalized who shouted that first “NO More!” in queer history. Thank you! Now, every time we create a space where Love & Laughter grows, where queer history is remembered, and where authentic LGBTQ+ lives are seen and celebrated, we’re honoring the Stonewall spirit beyond June and Pride Month.

Join the Celebration & the Conversation!

The Hotel Cairo is Relaunched! If you haven't checked into Hughie and Fabian's world yet, now is the perfect time! Find it on Amazon KDP! 

What does "sanctuary" mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media!

Sign Up for the Newsletter: Get all the latest news, more history deep dives, and exclusives

Follow on Social Media: Let's keep the Pride spirit going all month long! I’m on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.

Next Sunday's Topic: We'll be tracing the evolution of Pride from protest march to parade, and why visibility still matters so much!

Happy Pride, everyone! Let's make it a month of powerful remembrance and joyous resistance!

Love & Laughter,

Gary Alan Hidalgo

[positivelyghostlycomic]

🍀Happy St. Patrick's Day, my wonderful friends! 🍀

Oliver and Cham have discovered the true treasures at the end of the rainbow: popcorn and friendship. 🌈🍿✨ Who needs gold when you have buttery snacks and great company, right? 😄

Here's to finding your own pot of gold today, whether it's laughter, love, or simply a moment of joy. 🌟

Wishing you all a fantastic Sunday and an amazing week ahead!

Much love to each and every one of you! 💖

- G

[romcombc]

Tropes We Can’t Get Enough Of (And Those We’re Ready to Retire)

Romance tropes are the peanut butter to our jelly, the heart to our heartbeat—they’re why we keep turning the pages. But while some tropes feel like a cozy comfort read we’ll never tire of, others are starting to feel a little… dated. Don’t worry, though: even the tropes we’re ready to retire can still be reborn with a creative twist.Let’s explore the romance tropes we absolutely adore, the ones…

[pratikandro]

"Snuggle up with the cutest mom-and-baby duos on Tumblr! Follow Pratikandro for daily doses of love, laughter, and adorable designs."

Redbubble : https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/169235400?ref=studio-promote

[jazlynsierra]

The Proposal: From Fake Fiancé to Real Feelings

Running Time: 1h 48m

Rating: PG-13

The Proposal tells the story of Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock), a demanding and career-driven editor who faces deportation to Canada due to an expired visa. To keep her job, she convinces her assistant, Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds), to pretend they’re engaged, offering him a promotion as motivation. Their relationship, initially cold and purely professional, takes an unexpected turn when they visit Andrew’s family in Alaska. As they spend time together, Margaret begins to soften, and Andrew starts to see past her tough exterior. With witty banter, awkward situations, and genuine moments of connection, the film reveals how love can grow under the most unlikely circumstances. Bullock and Reynolds deliver a perfect blend of humor and warmth, making The Proposal a heartwarming reminder that sometimes the best things in life come when we least expect them.

Image from “Pinterest”

[familythings]

Love, Laughter, and Longevity: The Ultimate Guide to Happily Ever After Couples

Welcome to the hilarious yet heartwarming journey into the realm of romantic relationships. Buckle up, folks, because we’re about to dive into the latest scientific discoveries that explain why your significant other might be the best thing that ever happened to your mental health (or the reason you need therapy), why a sense of humor could be more important than six-pack abs, and how laughter…

[harmonyhealinghub]

Celebrating Togetherness: A Guide to Family Day Activities Shaina Tranquilino February 20, 2024

Family Day is a special occasion that emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with our loved ones. Celebrated on various dates around the world, this day serves as a reminder to cherish and strengthen the bonds within our families. Whether you are surrounded by family or spending the day alone, there are countless ways to make the most of this special occasion.

Activities for Families:

Outdoor Adventures: Embrace the beauty of nature by planning an outdoor adventure with your family. Whether it's a hike in the mountains, a picnic in the park, or a day at the beach, spending time in the great outdoors can create lasting memories.

Creative Family Projects: Engage in a creative project that involves the entire family. This could be a DIY home improvement task, a family art project, or even a collaborative cooking session. Working together towards a common goal fosters a sense of teamwork and unity.

Board Games and Puzzles: Gather around the table for a friendly board game competition or work together to solve a challenging puzzle. This is a fantastic way to have fun, promote healthy competition, and strengthen family bonds.

Movie or Game Night: Create a cozy home theatre atmosphere by watching a favourite family movie or playing video or board games together. Prepare some snacks, and enjoy a relaxed and entertaining evening with your loved ones.

Family Photoshoot: Capture the moment by organizing a family photoshoot. Choose a scenic location or set up a backdrop at home, and take turns posing for pictures. These photos will not only serve as cherished memories but also provide an opportunity for creativity and self-expression.

Activities for Those Alone:

Self-Care Day: Use Family Day as an opportunity to focus on self-care. Treat yourself to a spa day, read a book, or indulge in a hobby you love. Taking care of your own well-being is essential, even if you're spending the day alone.

Connect Virtually: If your family is not physically present, take advantage of technology to connect virtually. Schedule a video call with your family members, share stories, and celebrate the day together, even if you're miles apart.

Volunteer or Give Back: Consider spending part of your day giving back to the community. Volunteer at a local charity, donate to a cause you believe in, or perform random acts of kindness. Helping others can bring a sense of fulfillment and connection, even when alone.

Explore Your City: Be a tourist in your own city. Visit a museum, explore a new neighbourhood, or try a restaurant you've never been to before. Taking the time to discover new things can be a rewarding and enriching experience.

Reflect and Set Goals: Family Day can be an excellent opportunity for self-reflection. Set aside some time to reflect on your achievements, goals, and the relationships in your life. Use this introspective time to set positive intentions for the future.

Family Day is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the joy of togetherness. Whether surrounded by family or spending the day alone, there are countless ways to make the most of this special day. By engaging in activities that bring joy, connection, and personal fulfillment, you can create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds that matter most.

[garyalanhidalgo]

So Party, Love, & Laugh Defiantly!

Kamusta, fabulous reader and Pride activist aglitter! ✨🏳️‍🌈

This month passed by quickly while we explored the origins of Pride Month from righteous, raucous riot to out and proud parade. What began as the marginalized of the marginalized’s screams of “NO MORE!” at Stonewall turned the first protest marches nationwide in a still danger-filled era, then became rainbow-filled celebrations globally to stay visible. Today, the LGBTQ+ community enjoys the hard-won radical, life-saving power of visibility thanks to those brave rioters and marchers. To repay their sacrifice, our yearly Pride Month isn’t just about celebration but about showing up to stay visible. It may be a far cry from the first Stonewall riot and the first protest march. It’s still our duty as LGBTQ+ to be seen!

As for me, in the very early 2000s, every June wasn’t just the start of summer but Pride Month, but on a less epic neighborhood level (a must-read to understand the LA/Weho relationship) in West Hollywood, CA. Sure, Weho Pride brought out the crème de la crème of celebrity grand marshals and performers, organized by Christopher Street West. If their name doesn’t ring a bell, then do a refresh here. Having been to San Francisco and Seattle because of the Dotcom era, I knew Pride was celebrated nationwide, but now, out (and nearly 30!) me could never imagine Pride as a whole month, much less a whole planet-thing? WHOA!

So, 25 years later, in 2025, it begs the question: What is Pride now? Have the rainbows made us forget the dark clouds of rioting? Has going global meant it left our own backyard?

The answer’s as exquisitely complex as our community.

Partying as a Political Act: Love & Laughter is Resistance

If you feel guilty that you enjoy the party atmosphere of Pride, don’t worry. Not only is enjoying the party valid, it’s vital. Just as early-2000 me couldn’t imagine a Pride without borders, I would be no less happy the queer community is now a global one. I’m certain the Stonewall rioters and post-revolution marchers (still protesting injustice) never imagined the streets shut down for LGBTQ+ folk, celebrating openly with our chosen GLOBAL family, kissing your loved one in public without fear, more so, celebrating a same-sex wedding openly… Take it from Happy Holden, the owner of the town’s alleged gay bar, minority co-owner of the Hotel Cairo, and it turns out, so much more: Spoilers ahead! Turn back if you want to enter the hotel a virgin…yadda…yadda…

“Still, you must have been heartbroken watching the man you loved and wanted to marry, marry someone else.” “But I never fantasized about marrying Leo.” Happy’s voice trembled. “As committed as we were to each other, same-sex marriage wasn’t even an idea in our heads. Young gays like Berto may not remember a time when we had to fight just for the right to love.” “Or in Leo’s case, not allow his dream to suffer because of who he loved.” Hughie had respected Leo Cicero all the more.

But that is what they fought for, and too many times, bled for. Not necessarily a happily ever after, but a breather where you can feel safe and be happy for however long it lasts. For now, the people who still tell us we don’t deserve to love but deserve to die because we do, don’t get to be right. At least for now, we get to live like everyone, even if dark clouds are threatening. Those same people forget that after the rain comes the rainbow. So party, love, and laugh defiantly! 

Yes, “Love & Laughter” is my mantra now and forever, but I likewise loved partying, often too much (saving it for the upcoming Fantabulous! era). Right now, the dark clouds seem to be gathering again. Protests are getting louder and louder. I’m not ignoring that’s the reality, especially with more marginalized of the marginalized. We’re still included. That's why it’s more important than ever this June Pride to shine. To be part of an even greater rainbow. Because happiness is just as powerful in our struggle.

It’s the same tightrope that majority owner Hughie and new manager Fabian walk in The Hotel Cairo (out now, have you checked in yet?) as they finally find they’re on the same page. Both desire to turn the hotel into a sanctuary but face the political pressure and pious protests. Picture this:

“Thanks.” Fabian belched. “Guess I was really thirsty.” “Slow down,” he warned his erratically behaving companion. “You’ll be tipsy before the first act starts. Was there some trouble with the ad you posted? Is that why you’re acting so weird?” “Weird?” Fabian sounded disappointed that he’d reminded him of the real world. “I didn’t expect so many bands to turn down an audition because they’d have to play at a same-sex wedding. I should be grateful they didn’t make a big deal about it. In fact, they were very polite, explaining that they couldn’t do it because it disagreed with their Christian beliefs.” “You should be grateful?” Hughie raised his voice. “How can saying screw your kind be very polite? That was their Christian intention by turning us down.” “I didn’t want any trouble for the hotel.” Fabian’s voice broke. “Or you.” “I know. I’m sorry, I snapped.” “That still leaves us with plenty of talented wedding bands who want the job.” “You should be glad to be rid of the haters. You have enough on your mind, seeing as how you guzzled your champagne like you wanted to get drunk.”

That’s it. That’s the magic. A moment of connection, to stop and think, that doesn’t erase the trouble brewing around them. In a surprising reversal, it’s defeatist Hughie who schools defiant Fabian on the importance of not keeping quiet. In another switch-up, it’s Fabian who’s drinking a great deal, not so much because of others' “Christian” beliefs, but… Go find out for yourself in this standalone romantic comedy.

Stonewall Never Ended, It Just Got More Fabulous

Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities opens with the now famous, “It was the worst of times, it was the best of times.” Although set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, it perfectly captures 2025. Marriage equality happened a decade ago. Win! But the right is renewing its fight against same sex marriage. Boo! It’s a boo not a loss. Conservatives never really stopped fighting the same way that we never really just sit it out. The party is a necessity (the best of times), but never forget the protest part (the worst of times). There are also book bans targeting our stories, and laws targeting our trans siblings. Ensuring we use Pride to be a protest is as urgent as ever.

With rainbow flags as our battle standards, our parades are still marches. Of protest. NO MORE! In early 2000, LA Pride had an estimated half a million attendees. When we show up in epic numbers, we send a clear message to all: We are here. We will fight for our rights. We will not be erased! 

As simple as that. It’s the beauty of modern Pride, they didn’t have in the past. It’s a riotous party. That comes with much meaning. We can sing our Pride anthems to show our anger against injustice. We can dance to celebrate how far our chosen family has come. And we gather in great numbers worldwide, they can’t ignore our demand for justice for everyone still left behind. We should draw strength from being more than the first 200 Stonewall rioters or less than 1,000 marchers, the first gay Pride march in NYC. We party with a fabulous purpose.

And We Keep on Going & Talking!

Before the month ends, embrace the duality of today’s Pride! Get your glitter on. Dance until you can dance no more. Celebrate your far-from-perfect but always beautiful life. Then rest. And tomorrow, grab a sign, march, and shout because you don’t take anything for granted. In between, find some Love & Laughter, connect with other humans. That’s what keeps us going.

The Hotel Cairo is Relaunched & Ready for You! Check into a world where the fight for sanctuary is fueled by moments of pure Love & Laughter! Find it on Amazon!

Protest or Party? What does Pride mean to you in 2025? Do you feel the pull of one over the other, or do you find power in the blend? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Get the Inside Scoop: Sign Up for my Love & Laughter Newsletter for more history, exclusives, and sneak peeks!

Follow the Journey: Let's chat more on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky!

Come back next week: We go global as we learn about “Pride With No Borders.” How did our chosen family grow? It’s all about how our homespun queer stories of love, heartbreak, and loss connected…around the world.

Happy Pride, sweeties! Grrr…don’t stop fighting!

Love & Laughter,

Gary Alan Hidalgo

P.S. This is David Archuleta's first-ever Utah Pride performance. Apart from delivering such a powerful performance, he embodies the power of visibility we've

[jayemeraldryo]

I'm always the happiest shade of blue when seeing this beautiful bird's art! (●´ω｀●)

"Precious memories, How they linger

How they ever flood my soul

In the stillness, of the midnight

Precious sacred scenes unfold"

★★★★★(*´∀`)♪♪( ´▽｀)★★★★★

(^v^)/ This art piece means a lot to me because it reminds me of the silly and fun moments I had with a very dear friend!

(0v0)/ Birdie's message to you all! treasure all your precious memories and those fun moments! churro chirp!

(>v<) I also tried to challenge myself by drawing only in air brush, yet I failed halfway! (0v<) maybe in the future I will succeed!

[shakespearian-love]

Getting wet with you ❦

[romcombc]

Books for Every Mood: Your Ultimate Contemporary Romance Pairing Guide

Sometimes, the perfect book isn’t just about what’s on your TBR list—it’s about matching the story to your mood. Whether you’re craving a laugh-out-loud rom-com, an emotional tear-jerker, or a slow-burn romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat, contemporary romance has something for every vibe. Think of this as your ultimate pairing guide, like finding the perfect wine for every meal but…

[katebeckets]

how to say "I love you" in x-files [112/?] ⤷ 1.12 — “Fire”

[lavandamichelle]

Couples' Gratitude Challenge: 30 Days of Appreciation

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy for couples to take each other for granted. As a wife and mom, I know firsthand how important it is to nurture the bond with your partner. That’s why I’ve come up with a fun and meaningful way to reignite the spark in your relationship – the Couples’ Gratitude Challenge. In this blog post, we’ll embark on a 30-day journey of appreciation that will…