Why I use humour as a defence mechanism

 Humour has always been my go-to defence mechanism, a way to deal with tough situations and emotions. It's like a superpower that I've always had, the ability to make people laugh and lighten the mood, even in the darkest of times. 

But it wasn't until recently that I really started to understand how powerful it can be as a coping mechanism, especially when it comes to anxiety. Growing up, I struggled with anxiety and found it difficult to make friends and fit in. Humour was a way for me to connect with others and to express myself. It was a way to break the ice and to start a conversation. 

As I got older, my anxiety didn't go away, it just manifested itself in different ways. But through it all, humour was always a constant for me. It was a way to cope with the anxiety and to make sense of the world around me. 

Recently, I've been working with a therapist who specializes in anxiety and I've been learning about different coping mechanisms. But I've also come to realize that humour will always be a part of who I am and it will always be a valuable tool for me to cope with anxiety. 

Using humor as a defense mechanism is not just about telling jokes and making people laugh, but it's about using it as a tool to cope with anxiety and to make sense of life.

FAWM 2023

 Hey friends!

I just wanted to drop in and share some exciting news with you all - I'm taking on the February Album Writing Month (FAWM) challenge! For those of you who haven't heard of it, it's a songwriting challenge where participants aim to write 14 songs in the 28 days of February. I've always been up for a challenge and I think this is going to be a great opportunity to push myself as a songwriter and see what I'm capable of.

As I gear up for this adventure, I wanted to share some tips that have helped me in the past when getting ready for a songwriting challenge.

First things first, it's all about setting realistic goals for yourself. 14 songs in 28 days is no small feat, so don't put too much pressure on yourself. Instead, focus on the process of writing and creating and enjoy the ride.

Another tip that's helped me is to start gathering inspiration early. This could be watching a movie, listening to a new album, or even taking a walk in nature. The more inspiration you have, the easier it'll be to come up with new ideas and concepts for your songs.

I also like to have a solid writing routine in place. This could mean setting aside a specific time each day to work on songwriting, or having a dedicated writing space. Whatever works best for you, make sure you stick to it as much as possible.

And don't forget about the tools! Having the right tools is key to streamlining the songwriting process. This could mean having a notebook for lyrics, a recording app for demos or a good DAW for composing.

But the most important thing for me is to remember to be open to experimentation and trying new things. Songwriting can be a very personal process, and it's easy to get bogged down by self-doubt or fear of failure. Remember, not every song you write will be a masterpiece, and that's okay. The goal is to have fun and enjoy the process of creating.

So there you have it, I'm all set and ready to take on this challenge. I'm excited to see what I can come up with in the next 28 days and can't wait to share my progress with you all. If you're also participating in FAWM or any other songwriting challenges, I wish you all the best of luck and please feel free to share your own tips and tricks.

Happy songwriting, friends!

Artistic Burnout - some thoughts and advice

 Artistic burnout is something that a lot of us creative types go through. It's when you're just feeling drained, unmotivated and uninspired. It can happen due to a lot of pressure or stress, and it can make it hard to keep creating. And for some of us, we may struggle with repeated episodes of burnout. It can be frustrating and disheartening but the good news is, it's totally possible to bounce back and get back to making art you're proud of.

First things first, it's important to admit to yourself that you're experiencing burnout. It's easy to feel guilty or like a failure when you're not feeling creative, but burnout is a natural response to a lot of stress. Recognizing it is the first step in getting past it.

One of the best ways to recover from burnout is to practice some self-care. It's important to take care of your body and mind if you want to be able to create. This can mean different things to different people, it could be going for a run, meditating, journaling or just taking a walk in nature. Find something that works for you and make it a regular part of your routine.

Another tip is to take a break from creating. It can be hard to step away from something you're passionate about, but sometimes a break is exactly what you need. A vacation, a sabbatical or even just a few days off can give you the time and space you need to recharge.

It's also important to take a look at your goals and values. A lot of the time, burnout can happen when we feel like our art isn't aligning with what we truly want to achieve. Reflecting on what's important to you and what you want to get out of creating can help you refocus and regain motivation.

Lastly, don't be afraid to reach out for support. Talk to friends and family, seek out therapy or counseling, or join an art support group. Having people to talk to and lean on can make a huge difference in getting through a tough time. It's also important to keep in mind that it's not uncommon to experience repeated episodes of burnout, and it's important to have a plan in place and to be proactive in preventing it.

In summary, artistic burnout is common but it's not the end of the road. By acknowledging it, practicing self-care, taking a break, reflecting on your goals, and reaching out for support, you can come out the other side and get back to making art you're passionate about. Remember, recovery takes time and it's important to be kind to yourself throughout the process. Being prepared for repeated episodes of burnout and having a plan in place can help you to better manage it.

Being an independent musician

 Being an independent musician is like being a small business owner, you have total control over your art and how you want to present it, but it also means you have to wear a lot of hats and figure out ways to promote and make a living off your music on your own.

One of the best things about going independent is the creative freedom you get. You get to pick and choose who you want to work with, and you don't have to answer to anyone when it comes to your music. You can experiment and explore new sounds without any pressure from anyone else. This can lead to a more authentic and true-to-you sound that your fans will appreciate.

Another plus side of being an independent musician is the connection you get to make with your fans. When you're not tied to a big record label, you get to interact with your fans directly and build a community around your music. This can lead to a more dedicated and engaged fan base that will stick with you for the long haul.

But, being independent can also be tough. Without the backing of a label or manager, you have to hustle and grind to get your music out there and get people to notice you. It can be a lot of work and takes a lot of time, effort and sometimes money to make it happen. Plus, without the support of a label, it can be hard to make a living from your music alone, and you may need to have a day job to support yourself.

To make it work, you have to be strategic about how you approach things. Building a strong online presence is crucial, you want to be active on social media and make sure you're regularly putting out content that will connect with your fans. Networking with other independent musicians and industry professionals can also be helpful, you can share resources and support each other. And, you have to be open to change and willing to adapt as the music industry evolves.

Being an independent musician is not for everyone, but for those who are willing to put in the work, it can be a very rewarding and fulfilling experience. You get to be in charge of your own creative destiny, and you get to build a community of fans who truly appreciate your art.

Creativity and Isolation

 Being creative in isolation can be a challenging task, but it can also be an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. The isolation in this case can be self-imposed or imposed by external factors such as a pandemic, a move to a new place, or a change in personal circumstances. Regardless of the cause, being isolated can have both positive and negative effects on one's creativity.

On one hand, isolation can provide a sense of freedom and independence that can be conducive to creativity. Without the distractions and obligations of daily life, one can focus on their craft and explore new ideas and techniques. This can lead to a sense of experimentation and experimentation that can be very beneficial for the creative process.

Additionally, isolation can also help to foster a sense of self-reliance and self-sufficiency. When one is isolated, they must rely on their own resources and abilities to create and produce. This can be a powerful motivator and can lead to a greater sense of ownership and investment in one's work.

On the other hand, isolation can also have negative effects on one's creativity. Without the support and feedback of others, it can be easy to become stuck in a rut or to lose sight of one's goals and objectives. Furthermore, isolation can also lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can be detrimental to both one's mental and emotional well-being.

To overcome the negative effects of isolation, it's important to establish a routine and a schedule for work and play. Setting specific times for creative work and taking regular breaks can help to maintain focus and motivation. Additionally, it's important to find ways to connect with others, whether it's through online communities, virtual workshops, or in-person meetings. This can provide support, inspiration, and feedback that can be essential for the creative process.

Another way to overcome the negative effects of isolation is to find ways to incorporate different forms of inspiration in your work. Inspiration can come from many sources, such as nature, art, music, or even people you meet. It's important to keep an open mind, and be willing to explore different forms of inspiration.

Finally, it's important to remember to be patient with yourself and your work. Creativity is a process, and it can take time to develop and refine. It's important to have patience with yourself and to not be too hard on yourself if you don't produce something great every time.

In conclusion, being creative in isolation can be challenging, but it can also be an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. To overcome the negative effects of isolation, it's important to establish a routine and schedule, find ways to connect with others, incorporate different forms of inspiration, and to be patient with yourself and your work. It's important to remember that creativity is a process and it's not always easy, but it's worth it in the end.

Pig Headed - a bizarro short story

 Once upon a time, in a world that was not quite like ours, there was a man named Bob. Bob was a simple man, with simple tastes and a simple job. He worked as a clerk at a convenience store, stocking shelves and ringing up customers. But one day, everything changed.

Bob was on his lunch break, sitting on a park bench and eating a sandwich, when he saw a strange creature walking down the street. It was unlike anything he had ever seen before. It had the body of a man, but the head of a pig. Bob rubbed his eyes, thinking it must be a hallucination, but when he opened them again, the pig-headed man was still there.

Without hesitation, Bob got up and followed the creature. He followed it down the street, through alleys, and over bridges, until they came to a door that led underground. The pig-headed man opened the door and gestured for Bob to follow him. Bob hesitated for a moment, but his curiosity got the better of him and he followed the creature down into the depths of the earth.

Bob found himself in a vast underground cavern, lit by a strange green light. The pig-headed man led him through the cavern, and as they walked, Bob saw all manner of strange and bizarre creatures. There were people with the heads of dogs, cats, and birds, as well as creatures that were like nothing he had ever seen before. They were all going about their business, as if this was the most normal thing in the world.

As they walked, the pig-headed man introduced Bob to the other creatures, and Bob soon found that they were all quite friendly. They welcomed him to their underground world, and Bob realized that he had found a new home. He quit his job at the convenience store, and soon he too had the head of a pig, and he was happy.

Years went by, and Bob became a respected member of the underground community. He learned the ways of the pig-headed people and the other bizarre creatures, and he even found love in the form of a woman with the head of a snake. They had pig-headed children, and Bob couldn't be happier.

But one day, something strange happened. Bob woke up to find that he was back in the park, on the bench where he had first met the pig-headed man. It was all just a dream, or so he thought. But as he looked down at his hands, he saw that they were now hooves, and he knew that it had not been a dream at all. He had truly found his new home, and he knew that he would never be the same again.

Some thoughts on Bizarro fiction

 Bizarro fiction is a genre of literature that is known for its surreal, absurd, and often grotesque elements. The term "bizarro" was first coined in the late 1990s by author and publisher Eric S. Raymond, and it has since come to encompass a wide range of literature that defies easy categorization. Bizarro fiction can be difficult to define, but it is generally characterized by its embrace of the strange and unconventional, its rejection of traditional narrative structures, and its use of absurdity and absurdity as a literary device.

One of the defining characteristics of bizarro fiction is its embrace of the strange and unconventional. Bizarro writers often use elements of science fiction, fantasy, and horror to create worlds that are not quite like our own, and they often use these elements in unexpected ways. For example, in a bizarro story, a character might encounter a talking tree that speaks in verse, or a city that is built entirely out of candy. These elements are not included to advance the plot or to serve a specific purpose; instead, they are included simply to create a sense of strangeness and otherworldliness.

Bizarro fiction also rejects traditional narrative structures. Bizarro writers often use techniques such as non-linear storytelling, stream of consciousness, and multiple narrators to create a sense of disorientation and confusion. This can make bizarro stories difficult to follow, but it also allows for a greater freedom of expression and a greater sense of experimentation.

Another defining characteristic of bizarro fiction is its use of absurdity and absurdity as a literary device. Bizarro writers often use elements that are bizarre or grotesque to create a sense of unease and disorientation in the reader. For example, a character in a bizarro story might encounter a creature that is half human and half machine, or a city that is inhabited by giant insects. These elements are not included to make sense in a logical way, but to create a sense of unease, disorientation and to challenge the reader's sense of reality.

One of the key themes in bizarro fiction is the idea of the outsider. Many bizarro stories feature characters who are outsiders in one way or another - whether they are outcasts, misfits, or simply people who don't fit in with society's expectations. This theme can be seen as a reflection of the genre itself, which is often seen as being on the fringes of literature.

In conclusion, Bizarro fiction is a genre that defies easy categorization and is known for its surreal, absurd, and often grotesque elements. It embraces the strange and unconventional, rejects traditional narrative structures, and uses absurdity and grotesque as a literary device. It's a genre that allows for a greater freedom of expression and experimentation and often deals with themes of outsiderness and challenging the reader's sense of reality. It's a genre that is not for everyone, but for those who appreciate its unique style, it can be hugely enjoyable.

Revisiting my old material

 Revisiting old musical material can be a powerful and personal experience for any artist. The process of revisiting old songs, albums, and even unfinished demos, unrecorded material, and lyrics jotted down in old notebooks, can bring a sense of nostalgia and remind us of who we were and where we come from as musicians. It can be a reminder of the journey we've been on and the growth we've undergone as artists.

I personally have had the opportunity to revisit old material during my career, whether it be through re-recording songs, playing them live, or simply listening to demos that were never released, revisiting old song ideas and lyrics in my old notebooks. Each time, I've found it to be a valuable and enlightening experience. It's like opening a time capsule and discovering forgotten gems, some of them I felt like they were ahead of their time, some others needed a new approach or production.

One of the reasons I've revisited old material is to reconnect with my past self. When I look back at my old notebooks and see lyrics or song ideas I had written down, I'm reminded of the person I used to be, the emotions I felt and the experiences I've been through. It's a reminder of the journey that I've been on and the growth I've undergone. I've been able to see how my songwriting has evolved and how my perspective has changed. It's helped me to understand the evolution of my art and to appreciate the development of my craft. Revisiting old material has also helped me to reconnect with my roots and where I come from, both musically and personally.

An experiment with flash fiction

 As she walked home from work, Sarah couldn't shake the feeling that she was being followed. She kept turning around, but she never saw anyone. It was a quiet neighborhood, but Sarah couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her.

She picked up her pace, her heart racing. She was almost at her front door when she heard a rustling in the bushes. She turned to see a figure emerge, but it was just a stray cat.

Sarah laughed at herself and let out a sigh of relief. She was just being paranoid. As she unlocked her door and stepped inside, she made a mental note to call her best friend and ask her to walk home with her tomorrow.

But as she turned to close the door, she saw the same figure standing on her porch, a sinister grin on their face. 

Creativity and mental health

 As someone who has struggled with mental illness for much of my life, I've learned that finding healthy ways to cope and manage my symptoms is crucial. For me, one of the most effective forms of self-care has been turning to art and music.

Experimenting with different mediums and styles has been a way for me to express myself and process my thoughts and emotions. Whether it's drawing, painting, writing songs, or playing an instrument, creating something from scratch has always had a therapeutic effect on me.

I've found that the process of creating something – whether it's a finished piece of art or a rough draft – can be incredibly cathartic. It allows me to channel my energy and focus on the present moment, rather than getting lost in my own negative thoughts.

In addition to the personal benefits, I've also found that sharing my art and music with others can be a powerful way to connect and find community. Whether it's through social media or live performances, sharing my creations with others has helped me to feel less alone in my struggles.

If you're someone who is struggling with mental health issues, I highly recommend giving art and music a try. You don't have to be an expert or have any particular talent – the important thing is to find something that brings you joy and helps you to feel more grounded. Who knows, it might just become your go-to form of self-care.

A very short story I wrote a few years ago

 I've been doing some rearranging of my possessions and stumbled across some forgotten notebooks filled with mostly unfinished work. Most of it is embarrassingly bad but I did find this short story. I genuinely can't remember if I ever planned on continuing the story or if it was always going to be this brief, but I do recall it was inspired by a writing prompt I saw on Facebook. 

It doesn't seem to have ever been given a title so I'll just call it Untitled Short Story circa 2018.

...........................................................................................................................

The sun beat down on the dusty road as I trudged forward, my backpack heavy on my shoulders. Sweat dripped down my face and I longed for the cool relief of the river that flowed just out of sight. I had been walking for hours and my feet ached, but I knew I couldn't stop. I had to get to the next town before nightfall. As I walked, my thoughts turned to Maria. I could still see her face, her dark eyes filled with tears as I left. I knew I was breaking her heart by going, but I had to do it. I had to see the world, to feel the wind in my hair and the sun on my face. I had to know that there was more out there than the small village we had grown up in. Finally, as the sun began to sink below the horizon, I saw the glint of water in the distance. I quickened my pace, my thirst and fatigue forgotten. As I reached the river, I collapsed to my knees and plunged my face into the cool, clear water. It was the most refreshing thing I had ever tasted. As I sat there, drinking my fill, I knew that I had made the right decision. I had left everything I knew behind, but it was worth it for this moment of pure, unadulterated freedom. I knew that no matter what the future held, I would always carry this moment with me, a reminder of the endless possibilities that lay ahead.

Drawing and painting - some thoughts

 Hi everyone,

I've always enjoyed drawing, but recently I've been trying to push myself out of my comfort zone and experiment with different techniques and styles. In addition to trying out new media like pens, markers, and watercolors, I've also been exploring different kinds of art.

For example, I've always been a fan of traditional drawings and paintings, but I've recently started dabbling in digital art. It's been a bit of a learning curve, as I'm used to working with physical media, but I'm loving the flexibility and potential for experimentation that digital art offers. I've also been interested in art forms like sculpture and collage, which are completely new to me. It's been so much fun to try out different materials and techniques, and see how they all come together to create something unique and personal.

Overall, I've learned that experimentation is a crucial part of the creative process. It's easy to get stuck in a rut and keep doing things the same way, but by trying new things and stepping out of my comfort zone, I've been able to develop and grow as an artist.

I hope you'll check out some of my recent art and let me know what you think. You can find it on Instagram, Tumblr and Facebook. And if you're an artist yourself, I encourage you to take the time to experiment and try out new techniques and styles. You never know what you might discover!

Barnaby Tremayne 

Some behind the scenes info about Winter Cheer

 Hey everyone,

I wanted to share a little bit about the process of creating my new Christmas album, "Winter Cheer".

One of the things that I love about making music is the ability to experiment and try new things. For this album, I had the chance to do just that. I used a mix of traditional instruments, like guitars and piano, and my rarely used flute, as well as virtual instruments and software to create the sounds and arrangement

One of the challenges of recording a Christmas album is finding a balance between the classic, timeless sound of the holiday season and incorporating more modern production techniques. I think I struck that balance on "Winter Cheer".

For example, on the track "Carol of the Bells," I used a combination of live guitars and virtual instruments to create the backing track. I wanted to capture the energy and excitement of the song, but also maintain that classic holiday sound.

Last Christmas I made a sort of companion to the album. I completely redid the mix of "Silent Night" and added vocals with the help of Marie Ork aka Alter/Ego.

I hope you'll give "Winter Cheer" a listen some time.

Barnaby Tremayne.

Returning to blogging at last?

 Hello everyone!

It's been a while since I last wrote a blog post, and I wanted to take a moment to explain why.

As many of you know, I've been struggling with my mental health for the past few years. It's been a difficult journey, and at times it's felt overwhelming. I've tried a lot of different things to manage my symptoms and find some balance, but it's been a slow process.

One thing that I've learned is that self-care is incredibly important. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and forget to take care of ourselves, but it's so important to make time for rest, relaxation, and doing things that bring us joy.

For me, blogging has always been a source of joy. I love being able to connect with all of you, share my thoughts and experiences, and hopefully provide some entertainment or inspiration. But over the past year or so, I've found it harder and harder to find the time and energy to write. Between work, family, and my own mental health struggles, it's been difficult to prioritise blogging.

But I've missed it. I've missed the creative outlet, the sense of community, and the opportunity to connect with all of you. So I've decided to make the time and effort to get back into it.

I'm not sure how frequently I'll be able to post, or what topics I'll cover. But I'm excited to see where this journey takes me. I hope you'll join me on this new chapter.

Thank you all for your continued support and understanding.

Barnaby Tremayne 

First new release for 2023

 Hey everyone!

I'm excited to announce the release of my new single, "80s Daydream." This song has been a long time in the making, and I can't wait for you all to hear it.

As the title suggests, "80s Daydream" is heavily inspired by the music of the 1980s. From the synths to the drums, this song is a throwback to the era of big hair and neon lights. 

I hope this song brings a little bit of fun and nostalgia into your life. You can check it out on all major streaming platforms, or you can listen to it on my website.

Thank you all for your support. I can't wait to hear what you think of "80s Daydream."

Barnaby J. Tremayne 

Coffee - an essay about my favourite drink

To me, coffee is more than just a drink. It is a ritual, a daily routine that punctuates the day and gives it structure. It is a comforting presence, a warm and familiar friend that is always there when you need it. But coffee is also more than that. It is a fuel, a source of energy and focus that helps us power through our work and our daily lives. It is a pick-me-up, a boost that helps us tackle the tasks ahead. And yet, coffee is also something more elusive, something harder to define. It is a symbol, a representation of our culture and our values. It is a way of life, a way of being that is deeply ingrained in who we are. For true coffee lovers, coffee is all of these things and more. It is a constant presence, a constant companion that is always there to lend a hand, to offer support, and to provide comfort. It is a source of strength and inspiration, a way of connecting with the world around us and finding meaning in the everyday. In short, coffee is more than just a drink. It is a way of life, a way of being that is essential to who we are and how we live. It is a ritual, a routine, and a comfort that we rely on every day. And for that, we should forever be grateful.

Where I've Been In 2015

Hello readers,

I've been even more quiet than usual recently, well about a year actually, so I thought it was time for an update. So what have I been up to? Err, stuff. Mainly procrastinating. I've been very busy but apparently not busy doing anything constructive.

In late 2014 I finally returned to playing live. For a few months I haunted every open mic in town, trying desperately to remember how it's done. After a lot of mistakes and discovering I can't always remember the lyrics to my own songs I finally started to improve. Unfortunately, most of the open mics nearby closed down for various reasons and I was left with no option but to stay silent for a while. There was some good news though, after playing bass at a regular jam night I was offered a chance to play bass on an album that a friend was working on.

In Demember I was unexpectedly invited to star in a documentary about The Smiths, I got to go to Manchester and see some places associated with the band. I had a great time, and the entire crew were fantastic and really lovely people. The film, This Charming Fan, can be found on YouTube or the blogpost before this one.

In January 2015 I met up with producer Dr Jaxon and singer Billy Hobbes from the band Broken Swords. The sessions lasted about a week. Broken Swords's first album Sunlight Skims will hopefully feature me playing bass. Almost a year later, the album remains in a kind of limbo. The last I heard, recording was finished and the project was now being mixed. That was 6 months ago, so I'm not sure when the album will see the light of day. When it does come out, it will be available on most streaming sites and distributed through Damsel Records (aka my label).

In April I found out that the streaming site Grooveshark was shutting down. This pissed me off because most of my available material was hosted there. The Bletchley album and the Songs For EPs were there, along with some other demos and live recordings. At the moment they are all unavailable. The only place to find my music right now is Reverbnation or Soundcloud. More info on releases later.

I spent the next few months doing my day job of caring for family, even less interesting than it sounds believe it or not.

In September, I was injured in the street and broke my wrist. It needed to be pinned and plated and has left me comepletely unable to play the guitar any time soon. With any luck I will be able to play again but it's not definite.

So, where does leave me and making music?

Good question.

Despite multiple false starts over the last few years, album no 4 Broken Mornings is actually almost finished. It needs some more parts recording and then I can mix it and release it. Unfortunately, it will probably be a few months before I can record the final parts. The album is coming but it's going to be a while yet.

With this in mind, I've looked into my options for distributing my music online. I'm still weighing up which deal to take but long story short, The Cerice Trilogy, some EPs and a side project I worked on a few months ago will all be available to stream for free on Spotify, Deezer and YouTube, and available to purchase on Amazon, itunes and Bandcamp.

In the meantime, I've been searching through boxes and found the files for Songs For Cerice 2.0, Songs For Toni 2.0 and Salad Days 2.0. These are all a few years old now but most people never got to hear them since the sites they were on either shut down or got shut down by legal teams. I'm remastering the audio and making them a little more listenable. If all goes to plan they'll all appear on Youtube and Soundcloud ASAP. Probably a few weeks, it's not a big job but I don't have a lot of free time at the moment.

Til next time,

Barnaby J. Tremayne.

"This Charming Fan" CW1 for Documentary Production, Edge Hill University...

Album no. 4

Hello readers. Can't believe it's been nearly two years since I last posted here. I've been lying low and concentrating on other things in life, seeing if anyone missed my presence. I'll leave it up to you to decide if what the conclusion was hehe.

I'm starting work on a new album, album no.4 is called Broken Mornings. I've started a livejournal to keep everyone posted on my progress. You can find the first entry here. Album 4 will be a new start after the Cerice Trilogy.

I should be posting here more often hopefully, and hopefully the new album will be finished quite soon.

Til next time,


Barnaby J. Tremayne

A Response To Dr. Don Boys.

I recently stumbled across an article written by Dr. Don Boys, titled “People Without Integrity Ignore Facts About Homosexuality.”

In this article Dr. Boys makes a number of statements that are highly inaccurate. I thought I’d write an article replying to and challenging his original article which can be found here: Publius.

According to the article: Homosexuals are not “born that way” and any study will support that. Even the very pro-homosexual American Psychological Association has returned to reality and in the last couple of months declared: “There are no scientific findings that a person is born homosexual.” One of their brochures declares: “There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops s heterosexual, bisexual, gay or lesbian orientation.”

What is the relevance of the origin of homosexual desires? The title of the article suggests dealing in facts, but the facts of the origins of homosexuality are unclear.

Homosexuals do recruit as classic studies prove. In fact, about half of the adult homosexuals were seduced into perversion before age 14. Homosexuals molest young boys far more than heterosexuals molest girls. Yet, we are told that homosexuals don’t molest little boys!

Dr Boys appears to be basing his argument of anti gay propaganda like Boys Beware!

Also, he seems a little confused about the meaning of the word homosexual. Molestation motivated by sexual desire of adolescents is called pederasty, not homosexuality.

It is also telling that the media do their best to separate pedophilia from homosexuality such as the horrific scandal in the Roman Catholic Church and in other mainline protestant denominations. The vicious predators are never identified as homosexuals, only pedophiles. What’s the difference except in the spelling?

Quite a large difference Dr. Boys. The issue of religious figures abusing children is a complex issue involving repression of sexual desires and having access to vulnerable, trusting people. The homosexual element is a minor part of the issue. The “media” is wise to separate the two terms as any they are quite clearly very different.

Homosexuals indulge in incredible, unbelievable, vile, vulgar, even violent activities detrimental to themselves and society such as fisting (don’t ask); rimming (don’t ask again); illegal drug use; eating or rubbing their bodies with a lover’s feces; autoerotic asphyxiation (about 1,000 die each year); sadomasochism, urine drinking; golden showers (water sports); insertion of bottles, flashlights and other objects up a “lovers” rear; and other repulsive activities. I would love to hear a defense of those activities.

More confusion about the meaning of words and the nature of sexual practices here. Fisting and rimming are far from exclusive to homosexual liaisons. Illegal drug use is widespread in all sections of society and has nothing whatsoever to do with homosexuality. Coprophagia (or consumption of faeces), urophagia (consumption of urine), urolagnia (golden showers) and sadomasochism are all paraphilias (better known as fetishes), not exclusive to any one sexual orientation. Autoerotic asphyxiation is by definition a solitary act, not an act between two or more people and again is not limited to any specific sexual orientation.

Statistically, homosexuals die much younger than normal people. Studies show that homosexual lifestyle may cost homosexuals 30 years of life. Homosexuals were 116 times more apt to be murdered and 24 times more likely to commit suicide than others.

Did Dr. Boys just blame the victims of murder for being gay? People who commit suicide are likely being affected by negative information like Dr. Boys’ article and a lack of positive information and access to services that can help them.

Homosexuals can be “converted” back to heterosexuality.

Many gay, lesbian, bisexual (and other orientations) people claim that they knew that they were somehow “different” to their peers since childhood.

There is no evidence whatsoever that gay “conversion” techniques are in any way effective and victims of these techniques have claimed that the experience was damaging.

Every homosexual is not involved with violence, but all of them live a vile and vulgar lifestyle.

What exactly is vile and vulgar about their lifestyle?

There is nothing gay in the homosexual way.

Subtle.

Follow up.

Two of my closest and most valued friends indentify themselves as non heterosexual. Both have suffered from prejudice and abuse simply for being different. One of them is a victim of so called “conversion therapy” and will state that the only effects were negative and stigmatising and did nothing to change his sexual orientation.

Both are in healthy relationships and are in no way evil or degenerate people. They deserve respect just like any other person, regardless of their sexual desires or lifestyle choices.

Despite my best efforts, I have been unable to find any contact information for Dr. Boys, so I have been unable to communicate with him directly or send him a copy of this article. The closest I could get was to write to him on Twitter, inviting him to read this article and to contact me if he wishes to clarify or defend his stance.

Please comment or contact me if you agree or disagree with what I have said and wish to discussit further.

Barnaby J. Tremayne.