Author: Ryan | @rycariad
Pride Season: How we can learn from the Stonewall Uprising, even today.
July 2, 2017 July 20, 2017 / Ryan | @rycariad	/ Leave a comment
This year marks the 50th anniversary since simply being gay was no longer a crime.
In 1967, changes in the law in the UK meant that homosexuality was at last decriminalised. In fact, it was what happened at the Stonewall uprising over in the United States that heralded in a new dawn for gay rights. Indeed, the very first Pride march took place shortly after these riots and have evolved into what we now recognise as annual gay pride. It surprises me all the time that so many people from the LGBT community have no idea of origin of pride. It's not just a big gay knees-up. Yes, it's great to celebrate the achievements of those before us, but we must never forget that there is still much to do. Social attitudes have changed, but more could be done. Government policy has moved forward, but not enough. Laws have been made or amendmended, but not where total equality is possible. Religious stances are evolving for the better, but at a ridiculously slow pace. In short, there is still much to be achieved, and while most see Pride as a great time to party, let us not forget why pride came about, and why we now have our freedom to love whoever we choose. Let us remember that there is still a need for activism, to better the lives of LGBT people everywhere, at home and abroad.
"Let us remember that there is still a need for activism, to better the lives of LGBT people everywhere…"
We also need to look within ourselves. The once safe inclusivity of the community is being lost. We are quickly forgetting that it was a need for activism, because of persecution from other societal or religious groups, that brought us together as a movement in the first place. It wasn't being in cliques and 'type categories' that segregate us and push us apart. Much of the non-LGBTQ community is full of its very own negative stereotypes, abuse, slurs and hate towards us, without our own community adding to it – and we do. We need to remember what is important. An idealistic viewpoint is that we need to love and respect each other all over again.
We need to recognise that even today, when we feel that so much has been done for the LGBTQ community, so much more can be achieved and that there is always that call to arms, that call to fight; there is always opportunity for activism. Let your battle cry be heard!
For the most part, we're doing great, but as my teachers often said, we "could do better."
Finally, if you're a reader from the non-LGBTQ community and wondering why there is no 'Straight Pride', remember this: gay pride was not born of a need to celebrate being gay, but our right to exist without persecution. So, instead of wondering why there isn't a Straight Pride movement, be thankful you don't need one.
Happy Pride Season!
If you're interested in watching the incredible documentary on the Stonewall riots, you can watch Stonewall Uprising here:
http://www.pbs.org/video/1889649613/
(If you're outside the USA, find a good VPN client. I recommend BetterNet, which is available free on AppStores and online.)
I'm Lemonade-ing! 4 New Videos From 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt'
May 25, 2017 June 4, 2017 / Ryan | @rycariad	/ Leave a comment
There are now 4 brand-new videos on my YouTube channel – Titus Andromedon at his most fabulous, taken from the Netflix Original Series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt! Click the respective image to watch the 4 new edits, including the main street sequence, the extended cut and the ultimate cut, which features glorious tributes to Beyoncé's 'Hold Up', 'Sorry' and 'All Night' plus extended scenes. Production: The Vandeput Design Co.
April 18, 2017 April 18, 2017 / Ryan | @rycariad	/ Leave a comment
"Life is short. I often find myself lost in thought about those little, sometimes unnoticed, but very special moments in life. These moments are often fleeting, are buried in the minutiae of life, and yet they sparkle with the piercing iridescence of tiny stars on a sky of black velvet. There is still beauty in everything. Even in darkness."
How long is forever? Sometimes, just one second.
Bedtime selfie!
It's been a tiring but love-filled day, but not in any obvious way.
I found myself lost in thought about those little but very special moments in life. These moments are often fleeting, are buried in the minutiae of life and yet they sparkle with the piercing brilliance of tiny stars on black velvet. There is still beauty in everything.
I remembered life is but a brief moment. The years go by quickly and if we're lucky and make it that far, old age arrives suddenly before we have an inkling. People desire so many things and waste their days in vain. Some yearn for gold, others for power, yet others for glory and a higher station. But when death's moment nears and they look back at the lives they've lived, they realise they've been happy only during those moments when they've loved.
Happy Easter, to you all 🙂
(Photo shot with VSCO)
20% off Bombas Socks!
April 7, 2017 April 7, 2017 / Ryan | @rycariad	/ Leave a comment
Hurry up… grab 20% off the greatest socks you'll ever wear! Perfect for Spring & Summer, and Bombas socks are honestly the best & most comfortable I've ever owned, and they look great too. Plus, for every pair bought, they donate a pair to homeless shelters. Almost 3 million pairs donated to date!
Just use this special link to claim your 20% off,
http://refer.bombas.com/x/6SqyTZ, or use the code TK-C5EC8669 at checkout over at bombas.com
They genuinely are the best socks I've ever used, the most comfortable and come in loads of cool styles & colours for work and play. Their new dress socks are awesome!
One of the things I love about Bombas is that since socks are the number 1 most-requested clothing item in homeless shelters, so for every pair of socks purchased, they donate one pair to the homeless. So far, they've donated almost 3 million pairs of the most comfortable socks in the history of feet. Huzzah!
Just use the link below for your 20% off, or use the code TK-C5EC8669 at checkout over at bombas.com 🙂
Head to refer.bombas.com/x/6SqyTZ right now to claim this amazing discount!
Philanthropic socks, made with love, by BOMBAS.
(ads created by The Vandeput Design Co.)
It's Competition Time (plus you could be offered work as a graphic designer)
Fancy working as a paid Graphic Designer? If you're our competition winner, you could have just that! Just design our new company logo by midnight May 1st, and we'll offer the winner a paid project with one of our clients! Send your completed entry to ryan@ryanvandeput.com. Details here:
Last of the Mother's Day Flowers
Stand With London…
March 23, 2017 / Ryan | @rycariad	/ Leave a comment
Please feel free to share this poster; I just cobbled it together, as I couldn't be with London today, but I still stand in solidarity.