by Michael | Sep 10, 2019 | Soul, Mind
When obstacles arise in life, one of the things I like to do is look at them from two lenses: the first is very close up micro lens where I dig into the nuts and bolts of it. Then, I zoom way out and look at it from a macro lens. Doing so allows me to observe patterns...
by Michael | Jul 25, 2019 | Mind
Reputation is defined as the set beliefs and opinions that are generally held about someone or something. We spend a lot of time trying to manage our reputation because it tends to dictate our social experiences. Professionally, having a good reputation can lead to...
by Michael | Jul 1, 2019 | Sexuality
As Canadians, we take great pride in our LGBTQ rights and we have good reason to: ours are among the most advanced in the world and our urban centres are a beacon of hope and opportunity for queer people outside our borders. Living downtown, I often meet people that...
by Michael | Jun 25, 2019 | Mind, Sexuality
Wash off the face paint and sweep up the glitter, Pride celebrations are over for another year. In Toronto we were blessed with perfect weather which contributed to one of the best Prides in recent history. While Pride can be a celebratory and exhilarating experience,...
by Michael | May 31, 2019 | Sexuality
Another one bites the dust. The news of Fly’s impending closure is the latest in a series of losses in our Village. This one hits home for me. Years before I moved downtown, my first true gay bar experience was at an event at Fly called Grapefruit. Growing up gay in...
by Michael | May 18, 2019 | Mind
Instagram’s pilot project of removing the number of post likes is generating much-needed discussion about social media and its impact on our mental health. Social media platforms are being targeted for fueling a mental health crisis, as studies are showing...
by Michael | May 10, 2019 | Sexuality
Over the course of history, gay men have made an art form of seeking and engaging in casual sex. Also known as NSA (no strings attached), casual sex comes in many flavours from friends with benefits (FWB) and fuck buddies (FB) to anonymous (“anon”)...
by Michael | Apr 30, 2019 | Soul
The unexpected death of a loved one. A terminal diagnosis. Losing your job and source of livelihood. A painful relationship breakdown. Dark periods in our lives can manifest at any moment and in any number of ways. Darkness is an inevitable part of life and universal...
by Michael | Apr 18, 2019 | Mind
Self-confidence is sexy. Everyone wants to have more of it and we envy those who (we think) have more of it than we do. But not many people talk about it’s ugly twin brother, self-doubt. Yet it is the people who know how to mindfully manage self-doubt that are...
by Michael | Apr 11, 2019 | Sexuality
Have you ever tried to explain to your straight friends or family what NSA, PNP, BB bukkake is? They would probably be horrified (Google that at your own risk). Gay lingo can be incredibly amusing, colourful, and effective. However, there are some terms that on closer...