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Why Queer Romantics Excel in Online Gaming: The Romantic Advantage

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Photo Caption: Two men kissing' (Photo ByJoshua Mcknight)

Online casino gaming is a pastime enjoyed by individuals all over the world. People who engage in online casino gaming have the opportunity to connect with a community of online gamers, test their skills and experience the thrill of placing bets. However, there is a particular group that seems to have the edge over their competition in the virtual world of online casino gaming ā€“ romantics. The unique qualities, experiences and perspectives that romantic people have seem to prove advantageous when it comes to online gaming. This article explores why romantics and specifically queer romantics thrive as players. 

Theyā€™re Less Afraid to Take Risks

Telling someone you like them in a romantic way can be a scary experience. However, romantics are accustomed to facing this fear and the accompanying risk of rejection because they believe the potential payoff of a beautiful relationship is worth it. This fearlessness translates into online casino gaming as taking risks is seen as a part of the game. From making bold, strategic mores to taking chances in high-stakes casino games, romantics are oftentimes more willing to step out of their comfort zones and when gambling.

They Enjoy the Thrill

Romantic individuals are known for their appreciation of thrilling experiences. From a passionate kiss in the rain to the sensation of butterflies in their stomach, romantics seek out and savor these precious moments. Similarly, they can find joy in the thrill of online gaming. The adrenaline rush of competing against others, the excitement of unlocking new levels and the sense of accomplishment when achieving their goals all contribute to their enjoyment of the virtual world.

They Know How to Plan Ahead

Planning a romantic date or experience requires time and careful consideration. Because of this, romantics have honed their skills in planning ahead which is crucial in online casino gambling. When playing at a casino online, itā€™s necessary to formulate a strategy ahead of time and stick to it. The ability of romantic people to think ahead and anticipate outcomes gives them an edge in making calculated decisions and increases their odds in a game.

They Are Good People Readers

Understanding the emotions and intentions of others is a skill that romantics are particularly developed in through their experiences in relationships. This ability to read people can prove invaluable when playing live dealer or multiplayer games as observing and analyzing opponentsā€™ behavior provides a competitive advantage. Skills such as making informed predictions about their opponentā€™s next move, bluffing effectively and outsmarting the completion are all aided by having good people-reading skills.

They Tend to Be Financially Savvy

Most romantics aspire to settle down with a lifelong partner which necessitates having some understanding of finances. Being financially savvy is also an important skill in online casino gaming. As financially savvy people, romantics know the importance of planning out their betting amounts, setting a budget and sticking to it. This ability to manage resources effectively helps them avoid getting carried away by the excitement of the game, ensuring a more sustainable and enjoyable gaming experience.

Theyā€™ll Spend Time to Learn the Game

Building a successful relationship requires time and effort spent learning about your significant other. For example, how they communicate, what they like and donā€™t like and what kind of person they are. Romantics are people who have the dedication to invest in understanding their partners. Many romantics are therefore likely to have the same dedication that is needed to learn the intricacies of a game. They are willing to put in the time and effort to master the mechanics, strategies and nuances of online gaming, which ultimately leads to improved performances and a deeper appreciation of the virtual world.

They Keep Their Eye on the Prize

Romantic individuals are less likely to be distracted by the fleeting pleasures of life because they have their eyes firmly set on the ultimate prize ā€“ finding their lifelong partner. This focus and determination translate into online casino gambling, as romantics are less likely to be swayed by small bets and quick thrills. This can mean that romantics are more disciplined and strategic in their casino gaming approach and if they happen to fail, they are more likely to pick themselves back up and keep trying down a different avenue.

They Operate on Emotion

Romantics are driven by their emotions which contributes to their likelihood of falling in love quickly and passionately. In turn, their heightened emotional consciousness means they are better able to find excitement when anticipating something or joy when celebrating something. This means that when playing online casino games, romantics are more likely to experience a range of emotions than their more logically-minded counterparts. The emotional connection that romantic people have to the game can enhance their overall experience and fuel their motivation to keep on playing and improving.

Theyā€™ll Stick It Out Through Hard Times

Relationships, like gambling, have their ups and downs. Romantics understand the importance of perseverance and resilience in navigating the challenging times that occur during any relationship. Queer love stories, however, tend to have more than their fair share of ups and downs due to their existence in a society that is still working towards the acceptance of queer love. Their resilience can translate over to their approach to online gaming as they are more likely to stay committed and determined even when they experience disappointing setbacks or losses. The ability to bounce back, learn from their mistakes and continue to improve their gameplay is something romantics excel at.

In conclusion, queer romantics possess unique qualities that give them an advantage in online gaming. Their fearlessness in taking risks, enjoyment of thrilling experiences, ability to plan ahead, skill in reading people, financial savviness, dedication to learning, focus on the ultimate prize, emotional connection to the game and resilience in the face of challenges all contribute to their good-hand in the virtual world. However, itā€™s also important to remember that online casino gaming comes with a certain level of financial risk, so everyone, regardless of their advantages, should take steps to mitigate and manage that risk for a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.

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Recovery Reads: Reading in on your journey toward sobriety

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summer reading, gay news, Washington Blade

The path away from substance abuse is laden with hazards, a minefield where the misstep of a moment can detonate a crisis after years of hard-won progress. 

For those soldiering through the haze alone, quite frequently the case of isolated LGBTQ people who have suffered years of isolating trauma, several important important book bear unflinching witness and offer purposeful guidance ā€” helping illuminate a way out of addiction’s oblivion.Ā These books are particularly important to people who are not yet ready to ask for him, giving the reader private guidance on their own terms, at their own speed. These books mind the reader that they have not journeyed too far away from their authentic selves, and that their surrender to alcohol, drugs, and compulsive behaviors can be overcome.Ā 

These books range from Dustin Dunbar’s searing memoir “You’re Doing Great! And Other Lies Alcohol Told Me” (Central Recovery Press) to total abstinence and moderation guides like “Soberish” (HarperOne) by Kayla Lyons.

Avoiding the severe strictures of total abstinence, Lyons opens with the inclusive query “Are you ready to take your power back from alcohol?” Whether answering with a resounding “yes” to getting booze-free or a tentative “maybe” to finding moderation, her book provides an arsenal of evidence-based tools ā€” from cold exposure therapy to sound healing and beyond ā€” to chart a compassionate course for creating a moderate, self-determined drinking practice or kicking the habit entirely. By grounding readers in the psychology of substance use, walking them through backsliding risks, and encouraging them to rebuild an alcohol-free identity, Lyons attempts to launch a “sober-ish” movement tailored to the modern age.

For those ambivalent about quitting entirely or simply seeking to reset an unhealthy relationship with substances, Kayla Lyons offers a millennial-focused, non-judgmental guidebook in “Soberish” (HarperOne).Ā 

Avoiding the severe strictures of total abstinence, Lyons opens with the inclusive query “Are you ready to take your power back from alcohol?” Whether answering with a resounding “yes” to getting booze-free or a tentative “maybe” to finding moderation, her book provides an arsenal of evidence-based tools – from cold exposure therapy to sound healing and beyond – to chart a compassionate course for creating a moderate, self-determined drinking practice or kicking the habit entirely. By grounding readers in the psychology of substance use, walking them through backsliding risks, and encouraging them to rebuild an alcohol-free identity, Lyons attempts to launch a “sober-ish” movement tailored to the modern age.

LGBTQ readers struggling with the triple-threat of meth, sex and identity problems will find candid perspective and support from David Fawcett’s “Lust, Men, and Meth” (Hazelden). With insights blended from addiction and sex therapy, the book explores how methamphetamine can hijack the brain’s dopamine systems governing mood, sex drive and compulsive behaviors. Through explicit case studies, Fawcett examines the vulnerabilities of some gay men who turn to meth to soothe feelings of disconnection, unattractiveness or being left out of the community – only to then confront serious issues from HIV/AIDS to the erosion of their sexual selves.Ā 

But the book moves beyond profiling the problem to providing solutions, equipping readers (and their helping professionals) with therapeutic tools and strategies for managing the recovery process. With increased distance from the drug, readers delve through a reckoning with powerful emotions like shame that meth once allowed them to bury, and ultimately rebuilding their relationships, identities and capacity for fulfilling sexual expression.

The harrowing “My Suicide Race” (Zinnia Books) by Mark Turnipseed lays bare the often-unseen connections between addiction, self-harm and sexuality trauma. At the tender age of six, Turnipseed internalized the soul-crushing message from his religious community that being gay made him destined for eternal damnation. His confusion and self-hatred set him on a devastating trajectory of alcoholism, drug abuse, prostitution and suicide attempts as he tried to become the straight boy he thought he was supposed to be.

Turnipseed spares no detail in this honest debut memoir, taking readers inside the tormented mind of an addict and trauma survivor in full denial, upending the lives of everyone who loved him. Only after surviving numerous relapses did he finally find a surprising key to saving himself – extreme physical challenges like training for a triathlon provided an avenue to rebuild self-acceptance and authenticity. While heartbreaking in its candor, Turnipseed’s book offers hope that even those who struggle for years can overcome the addictions so often brought on by shame and self-loathing.Ā 

For loved one’s desperate to intervene and lacking tools beyond tough love, Brad Lamm’s “How to Help the One You Love” (Central Recovery Press) equips readers with concrete, myth-busting steps to pull someone back from the brink of self-destructive behaviors, be they alcohol, gambling, drugs or otherwise.Ā 

Bucking the ā€œlet them hit bottomā€ approach of the ages, Lamm objects.

Opening with a stinging wake-up call – “Is your husband drinking himself to death?” – Lamm insists that worried spouses, parents and friends can actually wield tremendous power to change people through urgent action, countering the abstinent approach of passively watching and waiting for the addict to hit rock bottom. 

Dividing his book into sections like “Understand” and “Engage,” Lamm provides a roadmap for initiating productive confrontations, avoiding enabling behaviors, and operating through a framework of love and accountability rather than shame and punishment. 

For those unwilling to endure abuse or watch their loved one spiral indefinitely, Lamm’s guide promises a possible path forward from desperation.

Though the path away from addiction’s torment is strewn with obstacles, these authors inscribe stepstones toward the light ā€” reminders that even those battered by years of struggle and self-loathing can find rebirth. Their words hold open the gates of ā€‹ā€‹recovery for all willing to undertake the journey, bright beacons cutting through the haze and reaffirming that redemption awaits for any who reclaim their authenticity. With rawness, wisdom, and compassion, they extend a hopeful hand to those wandering the swamps of alcoholism, substance abuse, toxic behaviors, and who wish to find their way home to their true selves once more.

Breathe Life Healing CenterĀ offers provides evidence-based clinical care in a supportive environment for transformation and change.

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Just Keep Swimmingā€™: Ingleside Senior Swimmers Share Tips on Healthy Aging through Community and Daily Exercise

A range of community building and wellness opportunities abound at Ingleside, which has been recognized nationally for its inclusivity.Ā 

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Photo Courtesy Ingleside Marketing

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average human needs about 150 minutes of exercise per week to remain healthy as they age, but 80% of Americans arenā€™t checking that box. 

And while there may be a plethora of reasons why ā€œgetting olderā€ could impose on your ability to exercise as frequently as you should, three residents of Ingleside at King Farm ā€“ all 95 years young ā€“ are living proof that it is possible, and that there is no excuse. 

The three neighbors, Sy Herman, Peggy Adams, and Bob Verkouteren, are using their daily commitment to swim together to encourage and inspire each otherā€™s healthy living choices and well-being. After retiring to the Rockville, Maryland senior living community, Ingleside at King Farm, just outside of Washington, DC, the aquateers became friends through their shared love of aquatic fitness, realizing they also shared the same diligence in being at the pool each day before sunrise, meeting as early as 6:30 a.m. to swim laps. 

ā€œOne morning Iā€™m in the water and I find these two rascals here, and now weā€™re here together every day,ā€ said Peggy. The friendship among the three seniors grew close over the past year ever since the trio made a deal that they would start each day at the pool before breakfast.

Science has proven that positive social relationships play a role in better health and life expectancy.  Unlike forty percent of older adults in the U.S. who report chronic loneliness, Peggy, Sy and Bob, are a prime example of the positive impact meaningful relationships can have on maintaining a personal commitment to physical fitness and daily exercise.

Each morning, the seniors take turns using the fast lane at The Herman Aquatic Center at Ingleside at King Farm, challenging their endurance while also making use of water weights and other strengthening tools. The aquatic trio bonded over a shared commitment to physical exercise, community-building, and philanthropic work ā€“ all factors that health studies have shown contribute to longevity and increased quality of life. 

ā€œI took up swimming because it was a sport I could enjoy daily,ā€ shared Sy. ā€œI couldn’t play tennis and couldn’t play golf. So, I took up swimming, which has added years to our lives and life to our years!ā€ 

Fitness is an essential part of the Ingleside culture of living a healthy and engaged lifestyle. Inglesideā€™s state-of-the-art fitness facilities include a fitness center with robust programming and access to a physical trainer to tailor and support strength and cardiovascular training. 

Not only does Sy use the various fitness amenities at Ingleside, but heā€™s also provided financial support and resources back into the senior living community to help better its aquatic facilities. Upon moving to Ingleside, Sy and his wife Sheila donated a gift to the Westminster Ingleside Foundation, with an amount specifically designated for the Aquatic Center. ā€œItā€™s wonderful being here,ā€ Sy said. ā€œThere are so many opportunities to be involved. I really love this place.ā€

A range of community building and wellness opportunities abound at Ingleside, which has been recognized nationally for its inclusivity. 

Ingleside at King Farm, and itā€™s sister communities, Ingleside at Rock Creek, and Westminster at Lake Ridge were officially recognized when they received the 2023 SAGECare platinum-level lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) cultural competency certification. SAGECare is acknowledged as the foremost comprehensive, national cultural competency training program dedicated to improving the lives of older LGBT adults. Additionally, Ingleside participates in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and SAGEā€™s Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI), earning the designation as an ā€œLGBTQ+ Long-Term Care Equality High Performer.ā€

ā€œIngleside has always been, and will continue to be committed to fostering a culture of health and inclusion,ā€ said Christine L. Podles, MA, HSE, LNHA, Chief Operating Officer of Ingleside. ā€œWe recognize and celebrate each personā€™s individual uniqueness and strive to help them live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. It is a core value that we continue to ensure is ingrained into the fabric of the Ingleside family.ā€

Fitness helps lengthen lives. According to a study in Journal of Aging Research, those who exercise regularlyā€”even for as little as three hours a weekā€”can live up to almost 7 years longer than those who arenā€™t as physically active. The three swimming seniors made a pact that they would live long, healthy lives, making it to their 100th birthdays together. 

ā€œWe will all be turning 100 years old within four months of each other, and Iā€™m already sending out verbal ā€˜save the dates,ā€™” said Peggy. The aquateer is already planning the party for the trio. ā€œMark your calendars for November 2027 ā€“ everyone is invited!ā€ 

The aquateers plan to have their celebration at no place other than The Herman Aquatic Center. Sy shared, ā€œWeā€™re going to have a Century Club ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by music, dancing, and a great meal for the entire community.ā€ 

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From Glitter to Rock Bottom: A CEOā€™s Journey Through Addiction and Recovery

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John had it all – a thriving event production company, a team of talented employees, and a reputation as the go-to guy for staging the most dazzling festivals and parties in major markets throughout the US and Canada.

As the companyā€™s CEO and co-founder, John had built the company from the ground up with help of two business partners. Together, they had created something truly unique and robust – but beneath the surface, John battled demons that threatened to destroy him and everything he and his partners had worked so hard to build.

It started innocently enough – a bump of meth here, a drink there – anything to keep the energy and creativity flowing. ā€œI was always one of those people who could try anything and stop,ā€ he told the Los Angeles Blade.

But before long, John found himself in the grip of a full-blown addiction. He was sometimes zooming into the office rather than take the elevator 3 floors below from his apartment, missing important meetings, and making erratic decisions that put the entire company at risk.
At first, John tried to hide his struggle from his partners and employees, putting on a brave face and pretending everything was fine. As time when on, so did his partners and key employees, trying hard to save face. But as his addiction spiraled out of control, John’s once-sparkling world had dulled to a hazy grey visible to everyone. He began experiencing suicidal depression and looked scared and addled and was unable to see a way out.

As an LGBTQ individual, John was no stranger to adversity. He had somehow managed to remain HIV negative while most of his friends didnā€™t; he battled discrimination and prejudice throughout his life, but had always managed to flick it away. Now, however, he was facing a battle that felt increasingly uphill because it was a battle against himself, his own demons.

ā€œFor me, the bottom was when my entire staff and my partners held a meeting and threatened to walk,ā€ John said. ā€œI will never forget coming into the office only to find my mother and sister, my business partners, my staff and an intervention person: it was literally like the TV show ā€œIntervention,ā€ including ugly ultimatums they knew would work.ā€

He was whisked off to the Atlanta airport and to a facility outside of Phoenix for a one month detox and then later to Los Angeles for a 90 day program. ā€œI honestly had no idea what I was doing. I just knew that it was a better path for me. It took some convincing but it finally made sense,ā€ he said. ā€œI even had business practical questions because as an entrepreneur I wasnā€™t sure how any of this could work: how could I take time away and regroup the staff, win my partnersā€™ and my client’s trust back! Real questions.ā€

John summed it up: ā€œBut my partners both said, you wonā€™t win us or any one else back if you remain the mess you are ā€” we will all be broke.ā€

ā€œAnd,ā€ John added, ā€œmy mom reminded me to ā€˜be resolute,ā€™ something I had told her when she needed to leave my father. She said, ā€˜those words saved my life, time to own them.ā€™ā€

“Addiction doesn’t discriminate,” says Brad Lamm, founder of Breathe Life Healing Center in Los Angeles. “It doesn’t care how successful you are, how much money you make, or how many people are counting on you. It’s a disease that can take down even the strongest among us.”

For John, the turning point came when his partners confronted him about his behavior. They had noticed the changes in John’s demeanor and work ethic, and they were worried about the impact it was having on the company. It was a difficult conversation, but it was one that needed to happen.

Agreeing with his business partners about the reality of his addiction and the potential consequences for business, John knew he needed help – and fast.

But as a CEO and co-owner, he was hesitant to step away from the company for an extended period of time. He felt a deep sense of responsibility to his partners and employees, and he didn’t want to let anyone, especially his mom, down.

During his intervention he learned that under Californiaā€™s labor law even as a company owner, he was protected against his own company firing him or demoting him.

Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), John was eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to seek treatment for his substance abuse.
He also learned that other laws strengthen those protections:

1. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities as well as individuals with substance use disorders.

2. California Gov. Newsom in 2020 signed a bill that requires employers with eligible staff members at companies with more than 5 employees (California Family Rights Act) to reasonably accommodate those who wish to enter an alcohol or drug rehabilitation program. The bill amends Labor Code section 1025, which had excluded companies with fewer than 25 employees.

3. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), requires health insurance plans to cover substance abuse treatment as an essential health benefit.

John’s partners were supportive of his decision to seek treatment, but they were also concerned about the impact his absence would have on the company. They agreed to step up and take on additional responsibilities while John was away, ensuring that the business could continue to operate smoothly.

“It was a difficult decision, but I knew I had to put my health first,” John recalls. “Knowing that my position was protected under the law gave me the peace of mind and trust I needed. And even though I realized the financial damage I had done during my worst days could result in the companyā€™s closure, I needed to focus on me and my recovery. I had to trust that my partners could handle things in my absence, and that our clients would understand.”

John checked into a residential treatment program, where he worked with a team of specialists to confront the root causes of his addiction. It was a grueling process, full of tears and soul-searching, angry days and sleepless nights – but slowly, the fog began to lift.

As John began to heal, he also started to think about how he could create a more supportive and inclusive workplace for his employees – especially those who might be struggling with their own mental health or substance abuse issues. He worked with his partners and hired an HR team to develop new policies and programs, including a third party, confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides confidential counseling and referral services.

“We wanted to create a culture where people felt safe and supported, no matter what they were going through,” John says. “We wanted to break down the stigma around addiction and mental health, and show our employees that it’s okay to ask for help – and that their jobs will be waiting for them when they’re ready to come back.”

Today, John is back at the helm of his company, leading alongside his partners with a newfound sense of purpose and compassion. They are vocal advocates for LGBTQ addiction awareness and mental health, using their platform to share John’s story and inspire others to seek help.

“If you are a business owner, you have a responsibility to create a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and healthy,” John says. “That means being open and honest about our own struggles, and creating a culture where everyone feels valued and heard – and where they know that their well-being is our top priority.ā€

John’s journey is a powerful reminder that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their success or status. It’s also a testament to the importance of seeking help, even when it feels impossible – and the power of having strong legal protections and a supportive network in place.

For LGBTQ individuals in particular, the barriers to treatment can be daunting. Stigma, discrimination, and a lack of culturally competent care can all make it harder to reach out for support. But there are resources available – and there is always hope.

“My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it,” John says. “I’m a better leader, a better friend, and a better person because of the work I’ve done. And I’m committed to using my experience to help others find their way to recovery – and to create a world where no one has to choose between their health and their livelihood.”

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,ā€ John, now 8 years clean sober, his company thriving and producing several popular cultural fairs, arts and crafts festivals and corporate retreats, said.
ā€œDon’t let shame or stigma keep you hopeless. With the right support and resources, you can overcome anything – and your job will be waiting for you when you’re ready to come back. I promise.”

For those seeking addiction treatment resources in Los Angeles County, there are many options available, including:

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) – Provides a wide range of prevention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals with substance use disorders.

Breathe Life Healing Center offers provides evidence-based clinical care in a supportive environment for transformation and change.

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