Books
Across the Bridge 2
Ryder is back to share the hurtful and hateful experiences he endured growing up in a rural American town. He describes his experiences of hate-filled anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and physical assault, along with more positive stories about Nate, his first crush.
In such a hostile, anti-LGBTQIA+ environment, how did Ryder turn the negative into a positive path forward in life?
He wants you to know that, no matter your circumstances as a queer teen or young adult, there is support out there.
What did Ryder do to immerse himself in positive and supportive queer messaging? In Book 2, he candidly offers a deeper dive into the first book, in the hope that it inspires new generations of queer youth and young adults to thrive rather than give in to queer oppression!
This book is meant to be a quick read for all, but especially for queer youth who are contemplating suicide.
The 80s & 90s
N’Touch (San Francisco)
Phoenix (San Francisco)
Rage (West Hollywood)
Mickey’s (West Hollywood)
The Abby (coffee hangout-West Hollywood)
The 2000s
Dragon Men (Tokyo)
DJ Station (Bangkok)
Balcony (Bangkok)
Whynot? (Seoul)
In Across the Bridge 2, I focus heavily on the negative messaging that I heard all through my childhood and adolescence. Along with what worked for me regarding overcoming it all.
Extending on the topic, overcoming is unfortunately lifelong. The educational tools, strengths, and pride that you develop must grow in all of our lives. They may even grow to the point of becoming a political leader, a clergy member that promotes love, an educational instructor, an administrator, or a leader in advocacy–to name a few possibilities.
Later in life, being an older community member can be helpful to the queer youth of that day as they develop their own overcoming practices. Remember, as you grow, queer children and youth are watching.
In Across the Bridge 2, I talk about immersing yourself in positive queer media. I wanted to share the ones that inspired and touched my heart. DRUCK was instrumental in inspiring me to write my own story.
Movies
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Edge of Seventeen
Were the World Mine
BOYS (Germany)
White Crow (UK)
Closet Monster (Canada)
Riley
Feeling Randy
Young Hearts (Belgium)
I Wish You All the Best
TV
DRUCK (SKAM) (Germany)
