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Freshly-approved links

by j. brotherlove

A couple of years ago, I removed my blogroll and got rid of my links page. I’m thinking it’s time to resurrect those. I often get requests to add or trade links. However, in the few cases where I’m happy to share some link love, I have no place to list them. I’m testing out a good solution for the redesign. In the meantime, here are a few links I’m feeling right now:

• As I wrote some time ago, “When you are a black man who has sex with black men there is no way to ignore AIDS.” So it’s refreshing (and revolutionary) to have a website like Brave Soul Collective. Tim’m T. West, Monte J. Wolfe and Erik W. Chambers founded the organization for “HIV positive and negative individuals living their lives in truth through the arts.” The sound-off on D&R (Dating & Relationships) is just one of the gems on the site.
• Speaking of gems, a larger search area, better use of font styling and a snappier UI are some of the reasons I like the new dictionary.com design; compliments of the fine folks at Happy Cog Studios.
• Another designer has popped up online but don’t call it a comeback; call it a Preboot. After spending a long time lurking offline and taking kickass pics, Anzi sticks his toe in the blog pool again. No telling what madness will ensue. But I bet it won’t be boring.
• I hate boring. I also hate mediocrity when it comes to black folk and the arts. So I have great expectations for Code Z; a site that “highlights black artists and other visual creatives from around the world who push boundaries and push buttons.” That’s what I’m talking about! As a progressive person of color, it can feel lonely on the arts front.
• Who would know that you can feel alone in a relationship? Gay couples often feel neglected by the overall community who cater mostly to singles. As “one of Atlanta’s first and only sources committed to affirming and promoting the importance of same gender relationships within the African American community”, Together In Love is attempting to close that gap by providing alternative socializing options. Catch them at Atlanta Black Pride for Our Family Feud.

Who would know that you can feel alone in a relationship?

Polyamorous folk feel it too. Hell, basically anyone who doesn’t fit the “one man/one woman” heterosexist paradigm, or the “one on one” monogamous paradigm can feel really isolated at any given time.

Agreed. Also, I’ve noticed there are several solutions modern-day couples agree upon that are rarely shared amongst “mixed” company.

The unspoken message is that “unconventional” relationships are not as valuable or worthy of discussion in these settings.

Thanks for the great links. Anzidesign is the only one I am familiar with. I’m sure Together In Love will be one of my frequent sites to visit.