A Gay Transgender Man’s Thoughts on National Coming Out Day 2014

WARNING:  The links contained within this post will take you to sites with content for mature readers only.  However, this post is suitable for a PG audience.

Today marks the 26th year anniversary of National Coming Out Day. The event began 26 years ago, founded by the Human Rights Campaign, on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The day is celebrated as an opportunity to honor all those who have come out, or support equality, either as members of the LGBTQ community or as straight allies.

HRC’s theme is Live Your Truth. As a gay transgender man, I have known my truth since the age of five, but have not always had the opportunity to openly live it. In sharing my thoughts as someone who has lived on both sides of the closet, I hope to not only inspire, but to give comfort to others searching for their own answers.

For over two decades, my partner and I lived in fear. We both had circumstances where coming out was impossible. The fact we lived in a conservative part of the South contributed to our decision to remain in the closet. In addition, we had a young family which have always come first. John and I love our son and daughter dearly. They are our biological children, conceived through artificial insemination, and I gave birth to them by C-section.

On September 27, 2013, John and I came out together. I made the announcement we were both gay, and I was a transgender man.  Our decision to openly live our truth occurred two days before my fortieth birthday.  As that milestone approached, so did my fear of living the second half of my life in hiding.  When I remember my feelings during that time, I always return to the words of Kurt Cobain:  “I would rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.”

Love and hate are two emotions we have encountered from others since coming out.  The positive outpouring of support from family, friends, and my readers has been heartwarming.  John and I appreciate all the kind words and messages we have received. Still yet, there have been those who have chosen to share negativity with us.   Such opinions are the product(s) of fear; a lack of understanding of LGBTQ topics; learned behaviors and ideas; and old-fashioned hatred. As an activist, one of the ways I try to promote change is to raise awareness of the fact that LGBTQ individuals are human beings. Life is a journey. All of us are transitioning to something. 

At the end of the day, how have I decided to live my truth?  Always be proud of who you are. The words of others do not define you.  No one needs another person’s permission to live the life they desire. None of us have the right to define anyone except ourselves.  We are our own truth.  

To read my original coming out story visit:  Coming Out as a Gay Transgender Man.  Also, to learn about the changes in the lives of John and I one year later read:  Coming Out Once Year Later as a Gay Transgender Man.

I enjoy hearing from all of my readers, and look forward to your e-mails.  Remember Love is Love…Period.

Andrew Jericho is a ManLove erotic romance author for Siren-BookStrand Publishing  and LGBTQ rights activist.  All of his work can be found at:  Andrew Jericho.  For questions or comments please e-mail him at: authorandrewjericho@gmail.com.

Coming Out One Year Later as a Gay Transgender Man

WARNING:  The links contained within this post will take you to sites with content for mature readers only.  However, this post is suitable for a PG audience.

One year ago today my partner, John, and I came out together.  I made the announcement we were both gay, and I was a transgender man.  As a couple, we shared our now twenty-three year love affair with family, friends, and readers.  In addition, we allowed our private relationship  to become part of our public lives.  For those who have not had the opportunity to read my original coming out story, the post can found  at:  Coming Out as a Gay Transgender Man.

I still believe as I approach forty-one,  we have to be true to ourselves and openly live the life we are given.  As a writer and LGBTQ rights activist, I strive to be open and honest with my friends and readers across social media.  I am a direct and straight forward man who believes LGBTQ topics should be openly discussed.  Throughout this year, the words of Kurt Cobain still have had special meaning to me:  “I would rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.”

For  over two decades, my partner and I lived in fear.  We both had circumstances where coming out was impossible.  The fact we lived in a conservative part of the South contributed to our decision to remain in the closet.  In addition, we had a young family  which have always come first. John and I love our son and daughter dearly.  They are our biological children, conceived through artificial insemination, and I gave birth to them by C-section.  

Over the past twelve months, John and I have experienced many changes as a couple.  The first, and most important, was my legal name change to Andrew Kyle Jericho.  I will never forget my partner’s response, on September 5th, after I got off the phone with the circuit clerk’s office.  He put his arms around me and wept.  I am a firm believer that men can cry. While I don’t shed tears very often, I had a few that afternoon. After forty years, I can finally be recognized everywhere by a name that represents my gender identity. Others, outside of those who already called me Andrew, have to now by law. Also, whenever John and I are together in public, we are Andrew and John Jericho.

The name change also meant I was able to update my driver’s license at the DMV.  In Arkansas, residents can choose their gender without a legal gender change.  So, now I have a M on my license.   Elsewhere within the state, and on a federal level, that is not the case.  I quickly found out Social Security would update my name, but in order to change my gender marker I was handed a piece of paper with several requirements.  SSA requires either a passport with the new sex, amended birth certificate with the new gender, court-ordered gender change, or a letter from a doctor stating he believes the person in question is a transgender individual. Right now the most important thing is my name has been changed, and my gender marker is updated on my driver’s license. Soon, I will address changing my gender marker’s elsewhere.

The second change occurred in February.  I had a hysterectomy.  The  surgery was not only medically necessary, but  a procedure I needed to have done in order to feel more comfortable in my own skin. In addition, my reproductive history failed itself from the beginning.  The two children John and I created are true miracles.  I still firmly believe everyone transitions in their own way, and at their own time.  Gender and sexual orientation are not defined by surgeries and / or hormones, or the lack thereof.  Also, it has been almost eight months since the surgery, and there has not been a day gone by where I have not been thankful I made the decision to have it done.  The only good thing the deformed, misplaced organ ever gave me was my children.  The rest of it’s existence in a body it did not belong in was filled with pain.   

The final change is I have been consulting with a plastic surgeon regarding top surgery.  The most recent visit was on September 9th.  We are on the same page in our definitions of “flat.”  He understands I desire a masculine chest.  While he is qualified to perform the procedure, he has not done any top surgeries on transgender men.  However, he believes he can do the surgery, and is going to consult with his colleagues on the matter.  I have another appointment on December 16th to hear his final thoughts.  If everything goes as planned, he would like me to have the surgery at the end of January, instead of early to mid-February.  My insurance prior authorization expires at the end of February, and he feels I need to have the procedure complete and on the road to recovery before that time.  

John and I are excited to live the second half of our lives openly as a gay couple. We are also thankful for the opportunity to share our story.  In addition, we hope our message will help others who might find themselves in similar situations.  I have always wanted to make a difference in the lives of others.  If I have touched the life of just one person, then my efforts have been worthwhile.  I can say from experience it does get better.

I enjoy hearing from all of my readers, and look forward to your e-mails.  Remember Love is Love…Period.

Andrew Jericho is a ManLove erotic romance author for Siren-BookStrand Publishing  and LGBTQ rights activist.  All of his work can be found at:  Andrew Jericho.  For questions or comments please e-mail him at: authorandrewjericho@gmail.com.

Team Taste The Rainbow Blog Hop Giveaway

WARNING:  The links contained within this post will take you to sites with content for mature readers only.  However, this post is suitable for a PG audience.

Welcome!  I am a participant in the Team Taste The Rainbow Blog Hop.  Don’t forget to visit all of the other participants in this hop by visiting the links at the bottom of this post.  The event runs from July 12-18, 2014.  

The blog hop, sponsored by Draven St. James, celebrates the one year anniversary of her joining the LGBTQ author community.  In addition, Draven wants to acknowledge all the love and support she has received from authors and readers.  She has invited others writers and bloggers to share what they have learned from their involvement with the community.  

To celebrate this event, I am sharing a personal message with all of my readers about my own experiences as a ManLove erotic romance author. Also, I am sponsoring an e-book giveaway of my latest release, Something Beautiful. The title, published by Siren-BookStrand, is a MMM erotic romance with content for mature readers only.

To be entered into the drawing e-mail me at: authorandrewjericho@gmail.com. The subject line should read:  Blog Hop Contest. International participants are also welcome to enter. One winner will be chosen at random on Friday, July 18, 2014 at 7:00 PM CST. The winner will be notified through e-mail. Also, an announcement will be made on my Website and Social Media platforms.

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My experiences as a ManLove erotic romance author began when I subbed my first manuscript to Siren-BookStrand Publishing during late summer, 2012. I received an acceptance e-mail stating that Ripped would be published in November of the same year. Now, almost two years later, my backlist includes five books, and a sixth is expected to release September, 2014. Also, I’ve had numerous short stories, published as featured free reads, by Siren on their Website, ManLove Authors.

As a long supporter of  the LGBTQ community, I was thrilled to be able to reflect this in the publication of my books and short stories that explore the lives of gay men in real situations of life and love. My writing proves that love and erotic attraction are the same regardless of gender and/or sexual orientation. Readers who are familiar with my work, know that the men I write about, while facing different circumstances, have one commonality. They want to experience the deep soul-affirming emotions that loving another human being provides. While my books contain romance, they also contain sexuality, interwoven into the lives of my characters.  

In the past two years, I’ve not only had the opportunity to work with a great publishing company, but I have met a number of talented authors and dedicated readers.  Many of whom, I not only consider acquaintances, but friends.  These individuals have shared not only in my life, but in my work. Humanizing myself has always been an important part of my social media presence.  I have enjoyed interacting with not only those who enjoy my work, but those who have chastised my writing.  Those people keep life interesting and scandalous.  All authors have received negative reviews.  

I look forward to what my life and career holds as  a ManLove author.  All of it would not have been possible without the support of my family, publisher, and readers.  I have been humbled by the experiences.  The LGBTQ community that I have experienced is one of tremendous love and encouragement to all those who cross their path.  

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Visit other authors and bloggers in this hop:

Team Taste The Rainbow Blog Hop Participants  

LGBTQ Pride Month 2014 Giveaway

WARNING:  The links contained within this post will take you to sites with content for mature readers only.  However, this post is suitable for a PG audience. 

To kick off LGBTQ Pride Month, I am having a giveaway that will include two e-book titles from my backlist.

As a long supporter of  the LGBTQ community, I was thrilled to be able to reflect this in the publication of my books that explore the lives of gay men in real situations of life and love. My writing proves that love and erotic attraction are the same regardless of gender and/or sexual orientation.

Both titles feature LGBTQ characters.Rock Hard not only has gay men, but one of them is intersex and enjoys cross-dressing.  In my book, Something Beautiful, one of the three characters is a gay transgender man.   

Items that I am sponsoring in this giveaway include:

• One e-book copy of my book, Rock Hard, Book 1 in the Rock Stars series.Rock Hard is a MMMMM contemporary erotic romance with content for mature readers only.

• One e-book copy of my book, Something Beautiful.  The title is a MMM contemporary erotic romance with content for mature readers only.

To be entered into the drawing e-mail me at: authorandrewjericho@gmail.com. The subject line should read:  LGBTQ Contest. International participants are also welcome to enter.  One winner will be chosen at random on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 7:00 PM CST. The winner will be notified through e-mail. Also, an announcement will be made on my Website and Social Media platforms.

I enjoy hearing from all of my readers, and look forward to your e-mails. Remember Love is Love…Period.

photo credit: Urban Sea Star via photopin cc

Andrew Jericho is a ManLove erotic romance author for Siren-BookStrand Publishing  and LGBTQ rights activist.  All of his work can be found at:  Andrew Jericho.  For questions or comments please e-mail him at: authorandrewjericho@gmail.com.

Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia Giveaway

WARNING:  The links contained within this post will take you to sites with content for mature readers only.  However, this post is suitable for a PG audience.

Welcome!  I am a participant in the Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Don’t forget to visit all of the other participants in this hop by viewing the list at the bottom of this post.  The event runs from May 17-24, 2014.  

This blog hop was created to coincide with the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Both events are activism tools to raise awareness in the fight against homophobia and transphobia.  In participating in this hop,  and if you choose to visit the IDAHOT Website, it is my hope that you will be inspired to spread messages of equality and love.   To celebrate both of these events, I am sharing a personal message with all of my readers, in addition to sponsoring a giveaway (details below).  

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I am a ManLove erotic romance author for Siren-BookStrand Publishing and LGBTQ rights activist.  

Through my activism, I support a variety of social and humanitarian programs. My desire is to provide a voice for those fighting to maintain their humanity, civil liberties, civil rights, and human rights. We are all one.

As a long supporter of  the LGBTQ community, I was thrilled to be able to reflect this in the publication of my books that explore the lives of gay men in real situations of life and love. My writing proves that love and erotic attraction are the same regardless of gender and/or sexual orientation.

For those of you have read my coming out story, you know that I am a gay transgender man. In that message, I gave a brief overview of my life. From my earliest memory as a child, that was my gender identity and sexual orientation. Growing up, this lead to a great deal of confusion and gender dysphoria. At seventeen, as a result of those feelings, I began to plan my own suicide. Two days before the planned event, a man walked into my life that changed everything forever. That sweet and flamboyant gay male,John Jericho, became my partner. John and I committed when I was 18, and have been together for over 20 years.  We have two children.  While meeting this remarkable man changed my life, it also humbled me in many ways.

My partner and I did not come out until years later, in September, 2013. At that time, we were met with a great deal of support and love from family and friends. However, we have also experienced the pain of homophobia and transphobia.

While many transgender individuals have found support and caring, there are those who continue to face challenges daily. Many are met with harassment and discrimination because of a lack of education concerning the understanding of gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. As a result, transgender individuals often experience workplace discrimination, harassment in other social settings, difficulty receiving adequate health care, and a generalized lack of adequate support systems for many basic human needs. These cycles leave many transgender individuals vulnerable to violence and abuse.

Not only should we remember the negative effects of homophobia and transphobia today, but every day, as efforts are made to raise awareness of issues facing all LGBTQ individuals. 

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As part of my giveaway, I am sponsoring one e-book copy of my book Rock Hard, Book 1 in the Rock Stars series.  Rock Hard is a M/M/M/M/M erotic romance with content for mature readers only.  

To be entered into the drawing e-mail me at:  authorandrewjericho@gmail.com. The subject line should read:  HAHAT Contest. International participants are also welcome to enter.  One winner will be chosen at random on May 24th, 2014 at 7:00 PM CST. The winner will be notified through e-mail. Also, an announcement will be made on my Website and Social Media platforms.

Back Cover Blurb:

[Siren Allure ManLove: Erotic Alternative Multiple Partner Romance, M/M/M/M/M, intersex hero, cross-dressing, consensual BDSM elements, sex toys, HEA for M/M/M/M]

Adam Cole, David (Deuce) Cole, L.T. Jamison, and Jamie Cain, members of an ’80s-style glam band, Rock Hard, are struggling with Deuce’s alcohol addiction. The substance abuse is not only threatening the band’s success, but the marriages that he shares with each man.  The closeness and sense of family that the band has experienced with Deuce has now turned into dysfunctional chaos.

So when band physician, Dr. Zane Foster, discusses an agreement with the group, front man Adam Cole cannot refuse. After all, it has to be out of love that Adam would agree to such a deal. Not only is Deuce struggling with his own secrets, drinking most days to the point of intoxication, but Adam reveals a hidden attraction that only adds to the tension building within the band.

Rock Hard explores intimacy, unconditional love, and trust in the face of emotional heartbreak.

A Siren Erotic Romance

Excerpts available at the following link:  Rock Hard by Andrew Jericho.  *Content for mature readers only.*

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Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia Participants:  

1.	Erica Pike (M/M)	2.	Cherie Noel (M/M)
3.	K-Lee Klein (M/M)	4.	N.J. Nielsen (M/M)
5.	Embry Carlysle (M/M)	6.	Kracken (M/M)
7.	Zathyn Priest (M/M)	8.	Caitlin Ricci (MULTI)
9.	Tyler Robbins (MULTI)	10.	Z. Allora (M/M, TR) - New! Post comes up this evening
11.	Gay List Book Reviews (MULTI, REV)	12.	DP Denman (M/M)
13.	Bronwyn Heeley (M/M)	14.	Moonbeams Over Atlanta (MULTI, REV)
15.	Jade Crystal (M/M)	16.	Rawiya Erotica (M/M)
17.	Smoocher's Voice (REV, MULTI)	18.	Dianne Hartsock (M/M)
19.	L. J. LaBarthe (M/M)	20.	Anna Butler (M/M)
21.	Andrew Ashling (Gay)	22.	Sophia Martin (BI)
23.	Kendall McKenna (M/M)	24.	Rory Ni Coileain (M/M)
25.	M.A. Church (M/M)	26.	Lori Toland (M/M)
27.	Lex Chase (M/M)	28.	Caddy Rowland: Slice of Life (Gay, LGBT inclusive)
29.	Tempeste O'Riley (M/M)	30.	Louisa Bacio (M/M F/F Bi)
31.	Leigh Ellwood (MULTI)	32.	A P Massie (BI)
33.	Adrian J. Smith (F/F, Bi)	34.	Anastasia Vitsky (F/F)
35.	Boys in our Books (REV)	36.	Grace R. Duncan (M/M BI)
37.	Joelle Casteel (MULTI, REV)	38.	Charley Descoteaux (M/M, Bi)
39.	Vona Logan (M/M)	40.	S.A. McAuley (M/M Bi)
41.	Katey Hawthorne (Bi, M/M, F/F)	42.	Lily Sawyer (M/M)
43.	Draven St. James (M/M)	44.	Morticia Knight (M/M, M/M/F)
45.	Whitley Gray (M/M)	46.	The Novel Approach (M/M REV)
47.	Victoria Zagar/Infinite Love (MULTI, REV)	48.	Chris Cox (GAY)
49.	J.P. Bowie (M/M)	50.	Iyana Jenna (M/M)
51.	Evelise Archer (M/M)	52.	ND Wylders (MM)
53.	N.S. Beranek (Gay)	54.	Jane Wallace-Knight (M/M)
55.	Julie Lynn Hayes (M/M)	56.	Anne Barwell (M/M)
57.	Lou Sylvre (M/M)	58.	Wicked Wolves & Dreaming Dragons (M/M, REV)
59.	Bending the Bookshelf (TR)	60.	Get Freaky With Me La Drama Princess (F/F, M/M, BI, TR) - NSFW
61.	L M Somerton (M/M)	62.	Beth D. Carter (MMF, M/M)
63.	Joanna Darrell (Rev)	64.	B. Snow Procrastinates (M/M, F/F)
65.	Andrew J. Peters (Gay)	66.	Elin Gregory (M/M)
67.	S.J. Frost (M/M)	68.	DeeJay Arens (M/M)
69.	Prism Book Alliance (M/M, Rev)	70.	Meredith Daniels (M/M)
71.	Lynley Wayne (M/M)	72.	Guilty Indulgence (REV)
73.	JC Wallace (M/M)	74.	Sharing Links and Wisdom (REV)
75.	Taylor Law (M/M)	76.	Barbara Winkes (F/F)
77.	S.K Logsdon (Multi)	78.	For Once & Forever (MULTI)
79.	Dee Tass (F/F)	80.	KC Burn (M/M)
81.	Kim Fielding (M/M)	82.	C.C. Williams (M/M)
83.	J.R. Loveless (M/M)	84.	Tali Spencer (M/M)
85.	Kimber Vale (M/M)	86.	Erin McRae and Racheline Maltese (M/M, F/F, BI, TR)
87.	KT Grant (LGBT Romance)	88.	Alex Jones (M/M)
89.	Vanessa North (Multi)	90.	Viki Lyn (M/M)
91.	J.L. Gaynor (F/F)	92.	Harper Bliss (F/F)
93.	Carolyn Gray (M/M)	94.	Thorny Sterling (M/M)
95.	Megan Linden (M/M)	96.	Patricia Logan (M/M)
97.	Michael P Thomas (Gay)	98.	Jolynn Raymond (F/F)
99.	Nikka Michaels (M/M)	100.	Jayson James (Gay)
101.	RJ Scott (M/M)	102.	Tina Blenke (M/M)
103.	Rainbow Gold Reviews (REV, M/M, F/F, BI, TR)	104.	Heloise West (MM)
105.	VJ Summers Writes Smut! (Multi, M/M, M/M/F)	106.	Jessie Lansdel (M/M)
107.	Kayci Morgan (M/M)	108.	Rooster & Pig Publishing (PUB)
109.	Vicktor Alexander (MULTI)	110.	Dean Pace-Frech (M/M)
111.	Tara Lain (M/M)	112.	Alexis Duran (M/M)
113.	J. Osiris Baldwin (M/M, TR, F/F)	114.	Angel Martinez (M/M
115.	Westbrooke Jameson (M/M)	116.	ScuttlebuttReviews (M/M, REV)
117.	LYLBTB (M/M, REV)	118.	Eva Lefoy (M/M)
119.	Shiloh Saddler (Multi)	120.	Andrew Jericho (M/M, TR)
121.	Michael Mandrake (M/M)	122.	Lipstick Lesbian Reviews (REV)
123.	Amelia Bishop (M/M)	124.	Julie Bozza (M/M)
125.	R.A. Padmos (m/m)	126.	Love Bytes Reviews (REV)