I had to laugh the other day.
Someone described Going Gently as a "woman's" blog......
They also mentioned in no uncertain terms that it was homophobic, which is an interesting take on a middle aged homosexual with 50 chickens and a bulldog called Constance, but I will leave that argument well and truly alone.
I am not bothered that Going Gently could be seen as "feminine"...given the content I will take that description as a compliment.....as I have always enjoyed the company of women to that of men. Now I can do "men" as it were, friendshipwise, be sure on that! Out of perhaps nine close friends I have, four are male and out of those only one is gay, (another mate is sooooooooooooooo showbiz and a self confessed old queen he's as good a gay as you can hope for)..... but the rest , of course, are ladies!
Like Many gay men I was surrounded by women when I was growing up ( oh I know I am generalising here- so don't write in)....My mother was a bit of a drama queen in the style of Joan Crawford in Mildred Pierce whereas my maternal grandmother played a cross between Jane Darwell in The Grapes Of Wrath and actress Elizabeth Spriggs ( google her). Of course my twin sister and Elder Sister were always around like the cast of Little Women ( I would have been the irritating Amy..though I always saw myself as the virtuous Beth) and in the wings there was also a selection of strong aunts, family friends an a diminuative paternal grandmother to back up the oestrogen levels
Here, on the blog I am surrounded by fellow like minded bloggers , the majority being women, and its lovely.
Of course, as in my real friendships ( and I mean that nicely) I have a few guy friends here that are well and truly connected to their sensitive sides, and I sure that the blokey Yorkshire Pud,Eric, Tom (s). Welsh John,etc won't mind me saying this, but the majority of buddies are non nonsense "garls!" with the odd wise cracking gay thrown in........just the way I like it!
I am writing this on my break at work. For a change it has been a quiet night. I need to close up now as I want to eat my cup-a-soup then rinse the soup stains out of the front of my uniform before getting back to job in hand
I never had an image of you as the Welsh, rubber clad, Matt Lucas character in 'Little Britain', John, if that's any consolation...
ReplyDeleteLucacrous that anyone whould suggest you are homophobic.
ReplyDeleteHomophobic!!!!!! Wao are they actual Reading your blog?
ReplyDeleteAs for being a ladies blog i love reading all your adventures and misadventures on the homestead i wish i could have .If that makes it a ladies blog then let it be. lol
John i was sorry to hear of your brothers recent ailment and i am sending you and your family prayers.I also lost a dear Friend after a 3 month ordeal with bone Cancer 3 days ago.
Sue.M
It's great that you can maintain a good sense of humor. What was her point anyway? You write a damn good blog, isn't that enough?
ReplyDeleteWhat? No tip on how to get the stain out, Susie Homemaker?
ReplyDeleteWhat on earth did she comment for? She mis-read your blog for sure. I love the sensitive "woman" part in your blog. Few men love animals like you do, so I love your blog. You go John, and keep blogging. We love it!
ReplyDeleteI recently came across a description of my blog, too, and read it flinchingly because you never know how you are going to look through the different (and sometimes bizarre) lenses of any given reader.
ReplyDeleteYou describe having 9 close friends. You are very blessed.
That's the problem with Ladies' blogs; they are filled with homosexuals being homophobic. I would write to my MP and complain, but being of African descent (him obviously, not me) I'm sure he's a racist.
ReplyDeleteI can relate almost totally to what you have said regarding having more female friends and growing up more with woman. I have two older sisters and am the oldest male with four brothers. Our 'wiring' is just different for god knows what reasons but it is, simple as that. I learned things from my Mom and sisters that my brothers could care less about. Why did I find it all so interesting? Who knows. And who cares!
ReplyDeleteHomophobic?! John Grey? Guess they don't know what it means or don't understand your sense of humour.
Bah! Whoever wrote that isn't worth the ink it takes to write about. You just keep writing about your chickens, and your farts, and we'll all keep reading, and enjoying getting to know you just a little bit better each time.
ReplyDeleteDear John, To my mind there are just interesting people and bores. I try to surround myself with the former and avoid the latter....although sometimes one is unsuccessful!
ReplyDeleteI love reading about your antics.Think of England [or wales for that matter] and CARRY ON!!
Hi John, I can't make much sense out of your blog this morning - somebody is calling you homophobic - has the definition changed? Also, I wouldn't call this a woman's blog, I would think it appeals to everyone. Maybe I better go back to bed and get up again......
ReplyDeleteDid this person actually read your blog??? There sure are some strange folk out there LOL
ReplyDeleteThe nice part is...just because somebody says it, doesn't make it so...
ReplyDeletemasculine, feminine, who cares? just be interesting.
That commenter must have never read your post about the embarrassing encounter you had in the pub that time! I don't understand why people can't just stick with the blogs they enjoy and leave the rest alone. Our blogs are not here to be reviewed by idiots, they are here to be enjoyed by our friends. At least that's how I see it.--Inger
ReplyDeleteHi John
ReplyDeleteHave they got any jobs going at your hospital? A clinical area where staff actually get a break wow!!
Tongue firmly in cheek - just ;)
Hope the shift went well
Jane
Some queer people about isn't there dear?! Who is this idiot that wrote such crap? xxxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteI may be many things but, for sure, I amn't no lady and I'm as straight an Aussie guy as you could ever hope to meet. I enjoy reading your blog and your dog , village and farm animal adventures and your regular digressions down the path of serious issues.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up and "Carry on!"
When people find out that I am gay, I often get flack for not being "gay enough"...
ReplyDeleteIt seems that lack of mindless campy drivel and constant suggestive gay commentary is seen as self-hatred and homophobic.
The day that "being gay" is all that defines me is the day I need to find another hobby.
Keep up the good work John!
We all love you, John! xxxx ooooo
ReplyDeleteApart from my partner, my closest male friends have been gay and absolutely delightful to know. I love your blog and regard you as you, and I don't think your blog is girly, just sensitively and warmly written by a man in touch with his sensitive self.
ReplyDeleteWell, it takes all kinds. You sure that wasn't Michelle Bachman?
ReplyDelete"Going Gently" for me captivates the blog of an old codger, take it slow in your old age you know what i'm saying?!?! :D how old you again John? :D lol.
ReplyDeleteOh and Dyke's Edge, has nothing to do with lesbians before you ask! Just that my plot is beside one... a dyke silly, not a lesbian!
(laughs).
I guess I've never thought about labeling you or your blog. If I had to, I think I would say: clever, interesting, intelligent, witty, charming, entertaining, blunt, thoughtful, thought provoking, self-depreciating, current and I'm sure I will think of many more adjectives as soon as I submit this comment!
ReplyDeleteI think someone was going around making trouble because something upset Grouchy, too.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. I'm learning a lot about your country and raising chickens.
Hope things will be well with you all! Hear from you soon then. ♥
What??? Huh??? That's just crazy.
ReplyDeleteNow that is just a funny summary of your blog. LOL Cracks my buns!
ReplyDelete~:>
Mal
I am laughing out loud John G. I never thought of your blog as overly feminine in any way -rather just funny and interesting. I would just say that the comments made were quite hilarious :) Enjoy your soup!
ReplyDeleteWhat a silly cow, she obviously hasn't been reading your blog long enough to get to know you that's for sure. We all love you anyway and think your blog is great. Pleased you are feeling a bit perkier today. Sue x x
ReplyDelete"Blokey"?!! Whoo-hooo, I rather like that description. Now where's my pipe, my whippet and my flatcap - I'm going down the pub to talk to my old mates - Andy Gray and Richard Keys!
ReplyDeleteAs for your blog being "feminine", I say - what a load of tosh! Ir's emanating naturally from your head and it doesn't need or deserve stupid labels like "feminine", "masculine" or "homophobic" - it's just John Gray's blog - for better or for worse. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
I do not label your blog, I simply enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteHomophobic? That really is a crazy statement to make! Glad you took it with you usual good humor.
ReplyDeleteJust hate when the net is down!
ReplyDeleteI am with some of the others did who ever said this ever even read your blog? LOL I am thinking not LOL..
"Another mate is sooooooooooooooo showbiz and a self confessed old queen he's as good a gay as you can hope for...." Anybody I know? He sounds fascinating!!!
ReplyDeleteUh, what the hell is a woman's blog, anyway?! I mean, maybe if your background were pink and flowery and you talked non-stop about menstrual periods and estrogen...
ReplyDeleteBtw, this woman spent two hours loading and unloading firewood this morning! If I write about on my blog, does that make it... a manly blog? A womanly blog? A loggy blog?
'phobes, the lot of them! :)