Celebrating 3 Months of APNE! ????? All Pride, No Ego Newsletter #18

Hello beautiful people!

It’s hard to believe that my book, All Pride, No Ego, debuted three months ago!

In celebration of this milestone, I thought I’d share some three highlights from the first “quarter” of my book being live in the world.

But first… If you read the book, please leave a review!

My publisher has challenged me to reach 100 Amazon reviews by the end of the year… even if you bought the book from somewhere else, your review will go a LONG way! Thank you ??????

? One Big Thing: 3 Months of All Pride, No Ego!

1. Reader reactions and responses

One of my absolute favorite things from the past three months has been hearing and reading reactions from readers, especially young people.

I love hearing how my story… the good, the bad, the ugly… has connected with so many folks.

I am often surprised by what readers have resonated with the most, and happy to hear the ideas and inspiration you all have taken from reading.

One of my favorite moments on the tour was meeting Charlotte, a young woman going to Central Michigan University this fall. She recently came out and was nervous about moving onto campus. We talked, laughed, hugged, and I told her she would be just fine. I can’t wait to run into her again!

2. The big impact of small-town events

Big cities are great… I always enjoy visiting friends in NYC, LA, Chicago, and Atlanta… But I have cherished getting to visit small towns during my book tour events.

From Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, to Tulsa, Oklahoma, the folks in these towns are welcoming, heartfelt, and incredibly supportive. Some of the biggest readers… and deepest connections… I have found in these smaller municipalities!

Small towns often get a bad reputation for being anti-LGBTQ. While that is still true in many places, there are strong and growing communities in every corner of America.

I am glad they let me share my authentic story with them, and I hope they continue to share their stories!

3. More than a book

The world has changed so quickly since I started writing my book in early 2022… anti-LGBTQ legislation has skyrocketed, and conservative groups are making concerted attacks on brands that support us.

But really… APNE could not have come out at a better time… because it is starting conversations and building community.

And I have to continue to put myself out there and have conversations with you, with readers, with others… I believe the the only way we'll overcome this difficult time of setbacks, anti-LGBTQ legislation and fear-mongering is by sharing our stories and sharing the facts.

Thank you for being part of this community and for following along on my journey so far! I love hearing from you, so please keep reaching out.

?? Leader Spotlight: Open for Nominations!

After months of spotlighting emerging LGBTQ leaders, I would love to hear from you!

Who is a young leader trying to leave their corner of the world a better place? Reply to let me know and I will feature them.

?? Philanthropy Spotlight: Federation of Gay Games

Last week, Asia’s first Gay Games kicked off in Hong Kong , fostering hopes for wider LGBTQ+ inclusion. The Gay Games were founded in 1982 as a celebration of queer athletes and to raise awareness for the LGBTQ community. Today, the Gay Games hosts events around the world, and this year’s event is especially important.

Hong Kong only recognizes heterosexual marriages. The organizers of the Gay Games hope to show the government the city’s strong support for equal rights for same-sex couples.

The nine-day event will host 2,400 participants from some 40 territories competing in tennis, swimming, dragon boat racing and mahjong.

Show your support for the Gay Games !

?? What I'm Loving

• Meet NBA Referee Che Flores , the first out nonbinary trans referee in American major professional sports! Their story is especially inspiring while we continue fighting for of trans athletes' rights to compete in sports at all levels.
• This man's story about balancing his “gay job” with his “day job” is truly about the importance of allyship in the workplace and creating opportunities for LGBTQ+ employees every day.
• As mentioned earlier... Asia’s first Gay Games kicked off in Hong Kong last week . Though Hong Kong only recognizes heterosexual marriages, The Gay Games organizers hope to show the government the city’s strong support for equal rights for same-sex couples.
• And some good news from around small town, USA… A Ft. Lauderdale-based project is documenting gay bar culture and a new gay-owned coffee brand is supporting local LGBT organizations in Springfield, Missouri.

? What's Worth Fighting For

Amid backlash and consumer boycotts, some prominent companies have kept up LGBT advertising . Here's hoping this list grows as more brands tap into the power of representation! For good business reasons too… The worldwide spending power of LGBTQ consumers amounts to $4.7 trillion.

?? Book News & Events

Last chance to join me and Licensing International for a fantastic webinar next week! On Nov. 14, we'll be talking all about my favorite topic: Living and Leading Authentically. Sign up here .

????? Read All Pride, No Ego. Out Now!

Love the book?? My publisher challenged me to reach 100 reviews by the end of the year!

I love a good challenge, but I need your help. It would mean so much if you would leave a review .

Thank you, Patrick, for your lovely feedback!

What an amazing three months it's been... I so look forward to continuing this journey with you!

Until next time...

Jim