Category Archive

People

“Homeowner”, “renter” or “squatter” – whatever the label, these occupants take the Offbeat wherever they go.

Growing up southern as a lesbian late bloomer

Growing up Southern as a lesbian late bloomer

When you’re raised in a way that shields you from anything that’s different, it really alters your ability to think outside of the small little box that’s your world. Had I met someone when I was younger who was gay or bisexual, maybe there would have been bells and whistles going off and I wouldn’t have been clueless for so long. Who knows? But I was blind for a very very long time. I met a guy who I married, had a couple of kids, and that’s how the story was supposed to go…

…only it didn’t.

How I make it work as a dwarf parent

How I make it work as a dwarf parent

Being a dwarf parent has its own challenges, as I do some things differently in comparison to an average height person. There are also situations where I cannot always manage. Often I can be hard on myself and feel down about the fact I wish I could do more in the way of being able to pick Zelda up and carry her around when needed. I’m blessed to have my wife’s patience, as she reassures me that I am doing enough.

Here are a few things that we do to make it easier on everyone…

Long distance friendship gifts

Gifts for long distance friends to say you miss the shit out of them

Got a friend moving away? Going to college? Teaching abroad? Or maybe you’re in a long distance relationship that needs some care via air mail? Whatever the case, sometimes you want to send some love, some cheer, some sympathy, or an “I cannot wait to see your fucking face” to someone far away.

We’ve got postal service than can deliver your feelings (be they card, food, or booze variety) to anywhere you want. I went a-hunting to see if I could find some suitably awesome gifts for long distance friends to give you some ideas.

How to reach out to a friend with social anxiety

I have a friend with severe social anxiety and depression. He lives with his mom now, doesn’t leave the house, and I (and all of our shared friends) haven’t seen him in about two years. All of our attempts to email/call/visit haven’t worked and he won’t reply. I know he’s in therapy, but I’d love to help him if I can.

Is there any way I can reach out in a way that would feel safe for him?

The best breakup movies to sooth your broken heart

The best breakup movies to soothe your broken heart (or stoke your rage)

When you’re reeling from a recent breakup, sometimes you just need some quality time with your favorite (or new-to-you!) breakup movies. You can feel all the feels with a sad romance, get empowered to find your fresh start, or get your rage on with a good revenge fantasy. Whatever your aim, there’s a movie to quench the thirst.

Grab some gelato and peruse our huge list of movies to soothe your poor hurt heart…

Coming out as polyamorous (how I did it and how it may help you!)

Coming out as polyamorous to family (how I did it and how it may help you!)

In the spring of 2015, I was planning my wedding. However, the elephant in the room was that I was in love with someone else. My non-fiancé partner was a huge part of my life, and I couldn’t imagine them not being at our wedding.

The problem was, I hadn’t told my family about the polyamorous aspect of my life or my long-established queerness. It was one of those things that I cowardly wanted to save until there was “something to report,” lest I draw my parents into my straight-presenting relationship and the hypothetical non-monogamous sex and love I was open to having with imaginary future people of indiscriminate gender.

How to explain BDSM to your family without getting embarrassed

How to explain BDSM to your family without getting embarrassed

I’ve been writing about kink online for over a decade. I used to sometimes write under a pseudonym to protect my identity. Now that I’m older and wiser, I’ve realized that there’s nothing to be ashamed of as long as I keep it appropriate for the audience and circumstance. Do I talk about kink out of nowhere, with strangers or acquaintances, using “I” statements and sharing anecdotes? No. Never. Would I talk to my family about it? Would I be embarrassed? Would you? Here’s how to explain BDSM to your family without getting embarrassed…

Wives are awesome: Here's why being a wife with a wife is awesome

Here’s why being a wife with a wife is awesome

I have a wife. This is one sentence I honestly thought I would never say. I will admit, saying it makes me giggle in a school girl kind of way. I love it. I love having a wife and being a wife. Having been previously married to a dude, I have fantastic perspective on how gay marriage and straight marriage works and I have to tell you, having a wife is the bees knees. Here are just a few of the perks and why wives are awesome…