Gay Greek Trekker: What I Learned from all my Communities to Survive the End of the World! (ePub)

Love is love!

Eleftheria i thanatos!

Live long and prosper!

Parts memoir, social commentary and self-help guide, the author celebrates his first fifty years of life by detailing his journey across the communities that claim him. He is the son of Greek immigrants, same-sex attracted, and totally devoted to 'Star Trek'.

Driven by principles of equality, compassion, responsibility, and to keep finding the positivity in his life, which as a kid getting constantly bullied made him feel never deserving of being happy. It was only when he nearly lost it all at his own hands that the life lessons began. Moving on from his pain took a long time, as it meant acknowledging all the experiences of his life, as well as putting effort into new ones to push him out of his comfort zone. That explained moving from Sydney to Chicago for over a decade, away from family pressures and finally experiencing the gay life moments that allowed him to prosper.

With practical and common sense insights the author covers topics including what makes identity, not needing validation, the competitiveness of diversity, gay Hollywood, gay hook up apps, wokeness, the immigrant vote in Australia's same-sex marriage referendum, letting voices shine, taking ownership of all your memories, and thoughts on the Trek universe's new road ahead. By adding his voice it grows his communities beyond singular & stereotyped images.

When final preparations for the book's release were underway the coronavirus pandemic then hit, and the author had to ask himself whether this book would still work in these unprecedented times. The nurturing voice in his head resoundingly answered yes as there would be no better time to offer advice about overcoming life's challenges. The author's communities have given him hope and that's what we all need to hold onto now.

An honest and unapologetic look at the world, 'Gay Greek Trekker' is ultimately about inspiring others to explore all the possibilities that their own life journeys can be.