Joey, in his own words: “Here and Now Notes from Above Ground.
Being gay is how I am. It is my identity in the world. It is a type of soulful construction with personal, social, spiritual and sexual meanings—- noun and verb for mindfulness’ sake and a lived presence of experience and depth. As a native Philadelphian, I have watched the community evolve and have played an active role in that emergence. From the early days of gay consciousness raising and pot-lucks to being an organizer of THE ELDER INITIATIVE, a GLBTQ horizon which is shedding light on gay senior needs and visibility.
Professionally, I am an educator with degrees and recognitions, ulcers and a strong sense of testicular fortitude, along with a love of creativity and humor. Painting, zentangles, and photography are on going projects which are instrumental in my being a gay man, along with my loving boyfriend of the past nine years.
N.B.to my younger self— Be present as the watcher of your mind-of your thoughts and emotions as well as your reactions in life’s adventures.”