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Opportunity and Leaps of Faith

Hey awesome readers of the internet! It has been a while since I've last posted an entry to this blog. My apologies for not keeping this thing as updated as I do my YT channel. I am doing my best to think of topics to expand on here. The problem is that when I do I am waaay too tired to sit down and type. LOL

But now focusing on the topic of this post. Lately I have been very fortunate this month of October. I have been blessed with the opportunity to promote my works as an artist, musician, and advocate. I by no means wish to "brag" about what I have been doing or will do... It's just that I don't know how to feel about people asking me, telling me that they want me to be part of what they are working on.
First of all if you have watched my recent video (link for your convenience) you will know of the things I did this past weekend in Phoenix. That is just the first thing that happened this month. I was also contacted a month ago to perform at a banquet event honoring our Veterans of Southern Arizona. This will be my first performance in over half a year. And the cherry on the top (of which I am only disclosing very little detail) has been that I was recently contacted by ***** ***** from ******* and now I am planning a weekend trip to ********** next month for a video project!This person sent me a message last week and I honestly was shocked and in disbelief that he had sent me such an email. It wasn't until we had talked over a Skype call that it felt actually real. :)
I have not felt this good about myself in quite some time. Although I am not the type of person to feel BAD about myself, receiving these opportunities and having these doors open up for me in the world of what I love to do, has made me feel more confident as a creator. I never expected my art, music, or YouTube content to really draw that much attention. The only goal I have through my work is awareness of diversity and sharing what I have learned from my experiences.

This has also caused me to do some thinking about my future and how serious I should start taking myself as an artist and YouTuber. I have always known that I have had a passion to create things and to teach others as well as connect with others. My current position of employment is also an achievement that I am proud to have accomplished at such a young age. But on the other hand, working in this profession has made me reconsider my advancements in pursuing a higher degree. I love my job and the people I am privileged to work with.  But this is also something that I know I do NOT want to continue doing for long....
Right now my feelings are of high hopes. Hope for my future as an artist, activist, musician, creator, collaborator..... My feelings also lay in uncertainty. I don't know which moves would be the "smart" ones, however I DO know what I would like to accomplish. The journey toward my goals and satisfactions is what is the unknown keeping my mind at a crossroads.
The best I can do now is take my leaps of faith, hoping that I land somewhere stable and happy. I am truly thankful to each and every one of my supporters. And if you are one of those people reading this, I will take this moment to tell you that you are appreciated. Please say hello to me and introduce yourself. I don't like to concept of "fans", I love the notion of friendship. I don't wish to just have you learn and hear what I have to say, I wish to also learn from YOU and listen to YOUR story!

Thanks for reading,
JD

GAY CAMP

Dear Internet,
I apologize for my lack of content posting to this blog. (if anyone even reads this thing) However, in my defense I did tell readers in my very first post that I do NOT consider myself to be a writer. I am doing my best to give this another go!

Memorial Day weekend (in the US) was the time I spent my first time ever at a camp in the woods. If you live in Arizona (which is for the most part a conservative state) you would probs be surprised about an LGBTQ+ Outdoors Gay Camp Program in Prescott. The camp is known as OUTdoors Campchella. :) I have posted a video about my experiences, talking about all of the amazing people I met and now message on an almost daily basis. This was something that has been recommended to my by several friends that I met at our local LGBT Youth Center. Over that past couple years of growing into adulthood I am sad to say that visits with such friends are very rare. Anyway I have known about the camp for the past two years and over the summer I finally made the last minute decision to apply. That's right, because so many people want to attend every year they select campers through an application process.
To my surprise I was selected and even though I will admit that I was not expecting to, once I received my acceptance letter I was then very much excited about the experience. Just another quick detail this program is orientated for LGBTQ Youth in Arizona as well as youth from other states. The age range is 11-24 with different workshops for three days. These workshops can be about queer politics and advocacy for adjustments in laws, gay history, trans history, a workshop learning about different sources of strength (SOS), art, dance, music, ropes courses, and of course glitter all around!
This experience really helped to open my eyes about how the LGBTQ community is evolving and reminded me of the importance that we are not alone and that we must support each other. Some people came with stories of having no support at home, camp was the only place that they felt entirely safe to be able to express themselves, identify openly with their proper pronouns and identities. Most of the learning came from fellow youth willing to open up and share their thoughts.
I was very happy at how accommodating everyone was when I arrived. I knew several of the staff from my city and they were quick to help me by describing the landscape right away. I normally do not travel with a cane as much as I did over that weekend. There were two reasons for this, 1- it was nature and rocks and shit. (I LOVE nature, just hate tripping LOL) and 2- Sometimes its easier when people see you with a cane instead of having to explain your visual limits repeatedly. :) Although I was more than happy to explain my visual impairment with others, I felt that not being ashamed of using my cane would be the right attitude to bring more diversity to the camp.
The diversity of the gay community was well represented and I have met so many amazing people. ( I know I've said that already but you have NO IDEA how much I mean that) I have been inspired by peoples stories, their character, willingness to listen, and their overall personality! The only thing that I am unhappy with is the fact that I did not attend during the previous years. I only have one more year to attend as a camper. But the memories and connections made are what really count. I hope to continue to talk with my fellow unicorns from Camp OUTdoors. I love you all and CANNOT wait to see you again! -hugs-

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