The Time Has Come

Well, here we finally are. My boyfriend made this website for me a little over two months ago, or at least that’s my best guess. I’ve been dragging my feet to put words together and form ideas. I still haven’t decided on what exactly I want this blog to become, but I’ve decided to go ahead and write about what I know best: myself.

For the past twenty-five years, I’ve been on a journey of self-discovery and excitement. In the last three years, I’ve continued that journey in Richmond, Virginia— one of my favorite cities. Silly, right? More folks are migrating here from Northern Virginia each year. According to axios.com, Richmond added nearly 30,000 residents to its library of culture, in search of, you named it, affordable housing.

There are more reasons than just that as to why people are flocking here, namely the scene. I’ve always said that Richmond is a place that embodies the “come as you are” attitude. There’s a place here for everyone. Between the various outdoor activities and lively nightlife, my love for the city is sandwiched. I do wish it had the parks that I’m used to in Northern Virginia, but there’s room for improvement. Maymont, Byrd Park, Dogwood Dell, Monroe Park, and others are glimmers of hope for the growing city.

In the past three years, I’ve had the opportunity to dive into three different communities, all notable for their individual characteristics: Scott’s Addition, The West End, and The Fan. I’m becoming more familiar with Carytown, mainly due to Will (boyfriend). I typically enjoy spending my time discovering new and interesting venues, activities, and restaurants to patronize—alone, with friends, and with the boyfriend. I’ve grown to enjoy all three for different reasons.

I began visiting Richmond in 2016, coming to the city on a Greyhound bus at different times of the day. I’d rideshare through a Facebook group called “Richmond Ride Share.” Part of the time, I’d visit friends who were in college. I would do anything to ensure I was in the city Friday to Sunday. Being a high school senior, the priorities of a part-time job dwindled into something more like a “party-time job.” When I’d arrive, we would promptly visit the Clay Market to score underage alcohol. Not surprisingly, there was recently a news clip alerting the public that the particular store was a goldmine for underage drinking. I’m surprised it took until 2023.

Fast forward to 2020, a year we all can somewhat remember. If you’re anything like me, the pandemic truly felt like a blur. Mainly due to various and personal reasons I don’t care to type out right now, my memories of 2019-2021 are few and far between. It’s almost like a piece of my life was cut out. I think I’m okay with that. The part that I DO remember is that I moved to Richmond in that time. I joined in with my partner at the time and waved goodbye to home. My dog, cat, and mom all passed within three months of one another. I was looking for an escape.

Looking back, there really must have been something wrong with that house I was living in back home, maybe some sort of place that had dark spirits or something. 🙄I found myself here. Home. A place where I could reinvent the trauma and memories of a time I don’t care to remember. Richmond.

This blog will serve as an outlet for me, and for you as a reader, a 25-year-old gay male’s perspective into a city that has filled him with joy. Along the journey of learning about me, you might learn a thing or two about Richmond as well.