Based somewhat on his memoir: I'm Special, and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves, Ryan O'Connell stars as his himself in the two-season comedy "Special" on Netflix, as he starts his first job and negotiates adult life as a gay man with cerebral palsy.
He's open about being gay.
About being disabled - not so much.
I'm very interested in intersectionality, so I enjoyed this show. I liked that the show dealt with ableism, co-dependency and body positivity, among other topics.
I also liked that the character of Ryan wasn't inspirational and faultless.
He was human.
Sometimes he was a jerk.
He was figuring out his life, just like everyone else.
Does the Ryan in "Special" figure out his life by the end of Season 2?
I don't spoil storylines! :)
Two years ago, the real Ryan published his first novel, Just by Looking at Him, which is about a writer who is gay, has CP, and is struggling with alcohol addiction and acceptance in our ableist world. It's on my TBR list (To Be Read).
librarianintx
I watch very little stand-up comedy, so I'm no expert, but...
Matteo Lane is FUNNY.
He's also smart, talented, hot, and gay.
He speaks four languages.
He's a painter, a cook, and he sings opera.
In April of this year, he released his first book: Your Pasta Sucks.
He's naturally funny, and he has a real gift for interacting with members of the audience and making them part of the show.
Here's an example: Matteo Lane - Italians, Germans, And The French
If you attend one of his shows, ask him how he feels about the Olive Garden. :)
librarianintx
The Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org
The Trevor Project operates a 24/7/365 hotline for LGTBQ+ young people in crisis.
The organization is also involved in advocacy, research, peer support, and public education.
The Trevor Project saves lives, and changes minds.
Donate if you are able.
Consider volunteering.
Spread the word about this vital resource for a vulnerable population.
librarianintx
On May 18 I went to the Capital City Men's Chorus (CCMC) concert.
I had not been to a concert in several years - since before the pandemic.
I was so glad I went.
It was an afternoon of beautiful music, heartfelt personal stories, and a wonderful sense of community and inclusivity.
CCMC does not discriminate.
You do not have to identify as gay, and you do not have to identify as male, to be a member of the chorus.
You do have to be able to sing.
And sing they did.
If you have a Gay Men's Chorus in your city, go to a show.
Support the arts in your community.
Now more than ever, support queer art where you live.
Many programs are losing funding and need ticket sales and donations to remain operational.
There are costs associated with choruses that many don't consider, such as venue rentals, paying musicians, printing programs, etcetera.
I feel privileged to have a Gay Men's Chorus where I live, and I hope they have the opportunity to continue serenading the community for years to come.
librarianintx
