John Cookson liked an update for The Catcher’s Trap

Hello Friends:

I’ve been staring at this blank page for 45 minutes trying to figure out what to say. In the wake of the Orlando shooting, I keep going back and forth struggling to decide what is the right way to express my anger and hurt.

As a gay man and as the founder of the Write Out Loud Syndicate I think it is important to remind my readers and supporters that homophobia and transphobia continue to be a reality in our country. The LGBTQ community has won significant battles in the past years, but there are still plenty of people vulnerable to violence and discrimination.

I know that love and action are the answers. So I will focus my anger into action and fight the hateful rhetoric flooding the internet with love. This afternoon I will attend a vigil in memory of the victims. I encourage you to do the same in your area. Show your support; show that you are not afraid to stand next to the LGBTQ community.

It is not the violence against us but our courage what define us.

In this link, there are other ways in which you can help.

Love

Ricardo

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John Cookson liked an update for The Catcher’s Trap

Hello Friends

Until today I divided my life into 3 chapters:

The days of love and pain:

My childhood is filled with sweet memories of a big and loving family, but also terrifying episodes of bullying. I grew up knowing I was different, and other children noticed it and tortured me because of it.

The days of daze and confusion:

In the 90’s I found my tribe and with them came excesses and poor decisions. Those were days of amazing successes and epic failures. Those were the days when I met the first guy I ever loved and the days when I lost him too.

The days of death and rebirth:

In 2001 I came to the U.S. with one suitcase, broken English and delusional dreams. In the next fifteen years, the party boy in me died; killed by poverty and maturity.

While I started re-imagining myself, I also met the most amazing man, and I convinced him to marry me.

Today a new chapter starts:

The days of creating and sharing:

This morning Too Many Controllers hit its Quill funding goal, which means that, independent of the results of the Nerdist contest, the anthology I’m part of will be published.

I have a book coming out his year and one in 2017.

When something as unexpected and special like this happens you need to take a moment to thank for the life you have and for those who make it possible.

So thank you to all of you for launching a new and exciting chapter in my life.

Have a fantastic day!

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