Fifty Shades of Gay

Believe it or not Gay is not just about rainbows. As a Gay man I'm tired of all this rainbow BS and to quote Judy Garland "I've got rainbows coming out of my ass." There are many shades of being Gay. We are no longer "Gay",  "Lesbian", "Bisexual" or "Transsexual" aka GLBT. Oh no, we've come along way... we now have almost the entire alphabet attached to our former four shades of Gay. We are as of now, LGBTQIA and I'm sure more letters will soon be added.

Growing up in NYC (the center of the Universe) most of what I knew about being "Gay" was what was in the media. I knew there were drag queens, leather daddies, dykes on bikes along with many closet cases. And this was in NYC... I could only imagine what a Gay child knew of Gay culture out in Suburbia! I never really thought about coming "out".  When I was a teenager and my father repeatedly asked me why I didn't date girls I finally told him "some guys don't date girls, so please don't ask me again" (pretty ballsy for a sixteen year old). I was just me and wanted to be loved for being me! I was bullied back in the day, that's just how it was. But it wasn't an "issue", there were always bullies. You didn't have to be Gay to be bullied. There were many shades of being bullied.

Unfortunately not much has changed. Whenever there is representation of the Gay community the media is still compelled to show the drag queens, leather daddies and dykes on bikes. Once again that's what sells and many people still have the need to cling to those stereotypes. I'd like to say there are fifty shades of Gay - but that doesn't even come close! So maybe there is a rainbow full of Gay and way more than fifty shades of grey.

Thanks 4 Checkin' Out nyc2suburbia 

Please Follow, Share & Spread the Word...

Facebook - nyc2suburbia 

Twitter - @nyc2suburbia

~ Visit Our Shop ~ Click Here: 

nyc2suburbia SHOP 

Who Said You Can Never Go Home?

My love of NYC started at an early age. On one of my first subway rides, I did what many people do... I got off at the wrong stop. I slowly started to explore the neighborhood and find my sense of direction, who am I kidding? I never had a good sense of direction. I walked around for awhile and found out that I was in the West Village. OMG, my life changed and I was truly "home". I felt just like Dorothy when she landed over the rainbow and opened her door to a technicolor world.

Grant it I'm a native New Yorker and have always loved the diversity of it, but this brought diversity to a new level for me. Gays and artists and hipsters, oh my! Every street I stumbled upon was magical. I met lots of local characters and window-shopped at little stores filled with things I'd never seen before. And then there was the variety of restaurants with their mouthwatering aromas. I didn't know what half of them were, but I wanted to try them all! I was in heaven when reality set in and it was time to head back uptown to the Bronx for dinner. As soon as our meal was over I was back on the subway headed to the Village. My parents were still having their dessert as I continued my journey on the yellow brick road.

It's been said that "you can never go home again", but that's not true for me. Every time I fly back to NYC I become that teenager and I remember that first subway ride when I discovered a new world. So I do go home again and again and "Oh, Auntie Em, there's no place like home."

Thanks 4 Checkin' Out nyc2suburbia 

Please Follow, Share & Spread the Word...

Facebook - nyc2suburbia 

Twitter - @nyc2suburbia

~ Visit Our Shop ~ Click Here: 

nyc2suburbia SHOP 

Connected in Suburbia

I could never understand how people were constantly connected to their phones, tablets and computers. In fact it pissed me off... it still does when I see people with their faces buried in their own little world ignoring others and everything all around them. Well the tables have turned and I'm somewhat guilty now too. Have I become one of those people? Hmmm...

Writing in My Fantasy World

Since moving to Suburbia my main connection to people has been through Social Media. But I think I have a legitimate excuse... I'm isolated, there are no people out here. Okay I'm being dramatic, obviously there are people... but they're all in their cars! Social Media has become my friend, my outlet, my lifeline to the world. I would poo-poo this behavior while living in NYC, but it's another story for me out here. I now have two Blogs with two Twitter accounts and two Facebook pages. I also have a personal Facebook page and a community Facebook page. And as if that's not enough I've started another Facebook page just for "Some Of These Daze" the play we're developing. Phew, it's become a full-time job, but without a paycheck. It's almost like a contagious disease and it's spreading. I still haven't joined Linked In and only sampled Instagram so far, so maybe there's still a cure for me. (I haven't found it on WebMD, but I'll google that later).

Blogging in Suburbia

Have I become one of those people who I always thought didn't know how to interact or couldn't deal with people? Hell no!!! Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a people person. I am always present when I'm with people and don't resort to my iPhone or iPad... unless they start on a way too familiar rant about some BS I've heard a million times before. And then that all too familiar sound of the "ding" happens and I'm saved by the bell! 
                                                         

Developing Script with My Pals

I love Social Media and I love people. But if the only way I can connect with people while living in Suburbia is through Social Media, well so be it. And I'm very grateful for all of you "out there in the dark". Now if only I can find a way to turn all of these connections into a paycheck or at least get me back to NYC, then maybe I'll be truly be "connected" with people!

Thanks 4 Checkin' Out nyc2suburbia 

Please Follow, Share & Spread the Word...

Facebook - nyc2suburbia 

Twitter - @nyc2suburbia

~ Visit Our Shop ~ Click Here: 

nyc2suburbia SHOP 

Actors & Writers & Me... Oh My! Whatta Year 2014

2014 was an amazingly inspiring year in theatre for nyc2suburbia! I was able to see a lot of memorable performances in NYC and in Suburbia! I even got to meet some of the incredible artists (I'm sure you'll even recognize a few).

I wanted to let my photos do the talking (for a change) in my "Whatta Year" post... hope you enjoy it. Remember to get out and support theatre - it's all around and the possibilities are endless.

All the best in 2015 and thanks for your support.

Actors & Writers & Me... Oh My! 
"A Night With Janis", "Bullets Over Broadway", "If/Then", "Mothers & Sons" & "Rocky"

Sharon McNight, Tyne Daly & Leeza Gibbons chatted about our script "Some Of These Daze"

2014 Tony Winners ...
"Beautiful's" Jessie Mueller & "Lady Day" herself, Audra McDonald
Two Real Sweeties!

Everyone's favorite character, Matthew Broderick from "It's Only A Play"

Kyle Dean Massey, the Best "Pippin" in NYC & Me at "Pippin" in SF

"Buyer & Cellar's" Michael Urie in NYC & SF
Amazing performance! Even better the second time around

Davies Symphony Hall ~ SF was Hot for Liza!

My Pal & Me Backstage after the show... check out our lips!

Bette Midler, Gerard Butler & "A Night With Janis's"
Mary Bridget Davies... Wow!

OOB Play Festival

Seeing All the Finalists
Whatta Variety of Plays

At "Hedwig"

Neil Patrick Harris ...
Move Over

"Chicago" SF... Razzamatazz and All That Jazz

Thanks 4 Checkin' Out nyc2suburbia 

Follow, Share & Spread the Word...

Facebook - nyc2suburbia   Twitter - @nyc2suburbia

~ Visit Our Shop ~ 

 Click Here: nyc2suburbia SHOP

Wake Up, Wake Up... Santa Came

I loved Christmas as a kid. Growing up in New York I'd always want a white Christmas and we often got it. Snow on Christmas - for me that's how it was! Being a kid that always questioned things, I'd ask my parents how Santa could get into our apartment since we didn't have a fireplace or a chimney. They'd tell me that Santa would land his sleigh on the roof and his elves helped him deliver the gifts. (I didn't really buy this, but it sounded good and I wanted Santa's gifts).

There was always family and friends in our tiny apartment, especially during the holidays. On Christmas Eve I'd have to go to bed early even though we had company. My parents said it was because Santa was on his way to deliver the toys and all kids had to be asleep. (Why couldn't I just get a later delivery? Oops I hadda be nice not naughty). I'd unwillingly go to bed still trying to listen for Santa as I fell asleep. After a few hours of sound sleep, Mama would wake me up. Most of the company would still be there and lo and behold... Santa and his Elves had dropped off my load of gifts. I do believe in Santa, I do believe in Santa!

I got to open all my gifts and then just as quickly as that, I'd have to go right back to bed. I couldn't even play with my toys for more than a few minutes! WTF? In hindsight... that just ain't right. I was sleeping with visions of sugar plums (okay, Barbie dolls) dancing in my head and was startled out of my sleep to find a bunch of presents, open them and then be forced to go back to bed. This was definitely a topic I covered in therapy. I think this could've been the foundation of my neurosis, possibly even a reason for my ever present insomnia.

Anyway those days are long gone and for now I live in Suburbia in California. There is no snow here and family and friends do not come in and out like when I was a child. The good thing is that on Christmas Eve I go to sleep whenever I want and get to sleep straight through the night without being woken to open my gifts. And if I'm good I might even find a card under my pillow and some goodies from Santa under our little purple Tree in the morning.

But for me, Christmas is New York City and all the wonderful clichés that go with it... Radio City Christmas Show, the tree at Rockefeller Center, the magical window displays and the Holiday spirit of tourists visiting the center of the universe. There is no place like home... especially at this time of year.

Happy Holidays to everyone wherever you may be and I hope you enjoy them. Spread the love and the light of the season even if you don't have a chimney or a fireplace. And be thankful if you have a neurotic parent that may wake you out of a deep sleep to open your Barbie dolls. Yes I do believe in Santa because he's in everyone of us.

Thanks 4 Checkin' Out nyc2suburbia 

Follow, Share & Spread the Word...

Facebook - nyc2suburbia 

Twitter - @nyc2suburbia

~ Visit Our Shop ~ Click Here: 

nyc2suburbia SHOP 

My Reality Show - TMV

I don't get reality. What's the hell is the obsession with all these reality shows? Do we really need anymore reality? I think not! As my pal Liza said "Reality is something you rise above", and that's just what I do. I prefer the version of "reality" that I create in my mind. My channel is called TMV - TheMovieVersion.

Personally I think too many people talk endlessly and go on as if we're really that interested in their "reality". They usually have a monotonous tone and there's no point to their long, wordy and boring stories. (You can hardly get a word in and they rarely come up for a breath). I may have ADHD, but nevertheless, TMV is so much better. TMV is the glossy edited version - less yawns and more pizazz. TMV is my life or TooMuchVin as some may call it. Either way, that's my story and I'm sticking to it... no matter what the network may say. Oh I forgot to tell you! Since "Confessions of a Child Bookie" came out, the offers have poured in and I have a reality show... it's on my own channel, TMV.

Thanks 4 Checkin'Out nyc2suburbia 

Follow, Share & Spread the Word...

Facebook - nyc2suburbia 

Twitter - @nyc2suburbia

~ Visit Our Shop ~ Click Here: 

nyc2suburbia SHOP

Confessions of a Child Bookie

I'm a lot like my father in many ways. We both liked to sleep late... especially on Saturdays. As a kid growing up, I had to wake up earlier than my dad however. While most kids watched Saturday morning cartoons, I had a job. Well not really "a job" but I had to answer phone calls, take down the numbers and place bets. On Saturday mornings, I was a kid bookie. For those that may not know, back in the day, there wasn't any Lotto or OTB, there were guys that took numbers and placed bets.

Mama:  (screaming) Vinceeent get the phone! I'm busy, I'm making breakfast. It's probably Leroy from down in Harlem.... you know what to do. Just give him the numbers.

Vin: Ahh Ma, do I have to do it again?

Mama: You heard me, give him the damn numbers. Your father is still sleeping. Get the piece of paper, breakfast is almost ready.

Vin: Alright, alright. (It's showtime for this kid as I picked up the phone). Hello... no this is Vincent.

Leroy: Hi Vincent. Can I speak to your dad? It's Leroy.

Vin: Sorry, he's still sleeping Leroy. I know what to do. I got the paper with the numbers. I can do the job. I've done it before. Are you ready for me to start?

Leroy: Okay, okay kid. Take your time and give me the numbers, but tell your dad to call me later.

Vin: Of course I'll tell him. Ya gotta pencil? Are you ready? Mama's making pancakes and they smell good. I'm hungry.

I started to read off the numbers that my father collected from his friends and family. I didn't realize what I was doing, but I was placing their bets. What a trip, only in NY could your kid be a bookie as you get to sleep in. So I confess - I'm guilty. I was a child bookie, at least on Saturday mornings.

Thanks 4 Checkin'Out nyc2suburbia 

Follow, Share & Spread the Word...

Facebook - nyc2suburbia   Twitter - @nyc2suburbia

~ Visit Our Shop ~ 

 Click Here: nyc2suburbia SHOP

"You Hate Everything"

How would you feel if a friend told you that they thought you hated everything? I was surprised when a friend told me that. She continued to explain (without a breath) you hate driving, you hate eating dinner before eight, you hate bright lights in restaurants, you hate bugs and wildlife, you hate the early to bed early to rise mentality, you just hate Suburbia. Okay, okay, I know you love NYC. Everyone knows you love NYC, but you hate it when anyone confuses NYC with New York, because as you've said way too many times, the two are not the same.

Phew, first of all, I was glad that she actually heard a few things I've said in the past and remembered them! Kudos for that in itself because I really thought this girl lived in her own little spoon fed Suburban bubble. I may dislike many things, but hate ain't in my vocabulary.

I dislike holiday ads that start in August. I dislike not hearing "please" or "thank you". I dislike that most companies have automated phones and a lack of human connection. I dislike being seated in an empty restaurant next to the only other occupied table. I dislike the automatic response "fine" or the overused words "amazing" and "awesome". Really are there that many things that are amazingly awesomely fine? I think not! I dislike when families gather around the TV watching sports during a family get together, what's the point? Once again a lack of human connection, not everyone likes sports. Is the only connection thru the TV? I cannot understand the concept of being PC. We now have to watch everything that we say because it may not be "acceptable". I could go on but I feel better already just by letting it out.

Now back to my friends comment about me "hating" everything. I had to wait and think, before I responded to her (a rarity for me). It took me a moment as I explained to her, that although I may dislike many things, I don't hate anything. Wait a minute, let me rephrase that... the only thing I "hate" if the word has to be used is stupidity. Yeah, that's right, I hate stupidity. I really get pissed when people don't question things and just take things for granted. Just doing what's always been done because that's how it's always been done! WTF? I hate that, but then again... I hate everything.

Thanks 4 Checkin' Out nyc2suburbia 

Follow, Share & Spread the Word...

Facebook - nyc2suburbia   Twitter - @nyc2suburbia

~ Visit Our Shop ~ 

 Click Here: nyc2suburbia SHOP