All's Well That Ends Well: Four Years Of Living Out Loud with Darian Comes To A Close

Four years ago this month I began an amazing journey when I wrote my very first blog entry on Living Out Loud with Darian. At the time I had no idea what the blog would eventually become, the number of people it would impact, and the level of importance it would have in my own life. However, I did know that I was frustrated by the absence of LGBT people of color in the mainstream and gay media; so I decided to use my voice and create a platform where our lives were not just tolerated but celebrated.


The objective of this blog has always been to uplift, empower, inform, and entertain same gender loving people of color and with this in mind I unknowingly began to build a brand that would separate this blog from the rest.


Living Out Loud with Darian has been a labor of love and an integral part of my daily life that will truly be missed. So why am I bringing it to a close? The easy answer: It's simply time. The hard answer is much longer and more melodramatic than I'd like to be perceived right now. Those of you who know me personally will be privy to that conversation.


The good news is that I'm bringing the blog to a CLOSE and not an END. This is simply the beginning of a new chapter in my life and career. While the blog will not be updated daily going forward the archives will remain online and there may be an occasional new post and guest blogging on other sites across the web. In addition to returning to school to complete my journalism degree this down time will hopefully birth the book I've been quietly working on for a year.


My commitment to the LGBT community is unwavering. My work doesn't end here but begins anew.


I'd like to thank every one who has supported me and this blog during the good and bad times. To every person who has sent me an e-mail, Facebook message, Myspace message, tweet, just to say how much this blog has meant to them I'm truly grateful.


I would be remiss not to publicly thank a few special people who have inspired, motivated, and encouraged me along the way. Please forgive me if I omit anyone...you know who you are.


Keith Boykin
Rod McCullom
Pam Spaulding
Gyant
Bishop Terry Angel Mason
DJ Baker
The late E. Lynn Harris
Rev. Tommie L. Watkins Jr.
Craig Washington
Drama Dupree
Tron Majette
Andre Allen
Ryan Lee
Dwight Powell
Tonex'
Lonnell Williams
Adolph Arromand
Bernie Tarver


Thanks for four incredible years! Always live out loud!