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You may not be familiar with the term microaggression, but odds are you have already experienced it or will experience it in your lifetime. The chance of one intentionally or inadvertently initiating a microaggression may be even higher because we live in the world. As per the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a microaggression is a comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a marginalized group (such as a racial minority). “Microag

Patience may be a virtue, but it is not infinite. I recall the response my mother gave to that quintessential neighbor who seemed to delight in testing my mother’s boundaries for less than noble reasons. My mother’s response was delivered with proportional grace and conviction: “I may have a plethora of patience, but it appears that your presence requires me to replenish it more often than I care to at the moment.” Let’s fast forward to 2026, and I have my signature response

You may recall a time, not that long ago, in your town or a town close by, when it seemed less challenging to be a friend, supporter, ally, or advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Whether it was a family member, colleague, friend, or neighbor, you offered your support with minimal thought, if any, to unfavorable reactions by others or having your support criticized. It increasingly feels like a profile in courage or drawing a definitive line in the sand that may result in doxin

At some point, many of us will know, love, or be a Peter Pan/Petra Pan during our lifetime. As with any topic, there is a range and spectrum. Absolutes are randomly constructed and rarely reflect precise realities. This article is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, a clinical approach to the conventionally known concept of the Peter Pan Syndrome that was first introduced into pop culture in the 1980s via Dr. Dan Kiley’s book, The Peter Pan Syndrome: Men Who

I will never forget September 15, 1990. I was in my early 20s working in an office when my mother called to let me know my father passed away. As it took what seemed to be an excruciatingly long ride on the LIRR to my parents’ home, tears intermittently streamed down my face as a sea of memories flooded my mind. I was now a young adult, but I still needed my father’s presence and guidance. I consider myself very fortunate to have had a loving father in my life despite it bein

For a large swath of us, the word “privilege” may immediately evoke imagery of a certain type of person, who looks and/or behaves in a certain type of way and probably lives a certain type of lifestyle in a certain type of neighborhood. This article won’t focus on that genre of exclusivity but it will touch on the archetypes that encompass some of those spaces. Beyond identifying types of privilege, I offer an alternative to coming to terms with our respective privileges and

Last week, I delved deeper into the inspiration of my poem, “If We Advocate.” This week, I’ll provide insight on what inspired the next poem: “If We Value.” Both pieces were inspired by reading Dorothy Law Nolte’s prophetic poem, “Children Learn What They Live.” If we value diversity, we acknowledge the importance and necessity of different perspectives and contributions. If we value equity, we understand the need for all to have impartial access to resources and support. I

In the Communities section of People of All Colors Together Jersey City’s (PACT JC) website, you may have already perused my original work entitled “If We Advocate”.

Saturday, August 22, 2026 marks Jersey City’s 26th Annual Jersey City Pride Festival. This year’s theme is “Show Your True Colors”. Earlier this month I attended Jersey City’s Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at Jersey City City Hall.

Before we get to specifics, let’s start with a working definition of otherism. Going beyond the clinical, sanitized, ethereal versions, let’s agree that otherism entails seeing a person, group, or community as being different from ourselves and undeserving of the status, privilege, relevance, or recognition that our group has.

If you survived the Spinners and Return Policy Experts we chronicled in Part 1, welcome back to our descent into dating purgatory. As we continue this trip down memory lane, remember that while none of us are perfect, this upcoming roster of men is truly not for the faint of heart. From those who expect you to be perfection personified to the self-proclaimed aficionados poised to test your sanity, let's dive into the remaining dating scenarios we should’ve gracefully, yet swi

Believe it or not, 2016 was a decade ago. Ten years ago, I was in my third year of what is now a thirteen-year relationship. Many of my friends are currently uncoupled, either by choice or because of what they describe as a shrinking pool of men who aren’t irreparably jaded—or who remain unsure of what realistic dating expectations are in the 2020s. Prior to meeting my spouse in 2013, I was undeniably conservative about dating. My expectations were very high, with the rationa

My first blog entry will explore the topic of inclusion and acknowledge the challenges of authentically navigating a world where inclusion is too often viewed as a luxury to be aspired to as time permits, or as something that is no longer necessary in the 21st century. Surprisingly—or maybe not surprisingly to those who have known me for decades—neither of those viewpoints reflects my experiences or views.