CURRENT MISSION

I recently moved from Arkansas to take a breather and redefine my mission. I'm a recovering political junkie - disillusioned with politics after the comedic tragedy that was the 2016 political season. Only time will tell whether this is a hiatus or an outright abandonment of politics. I'm no longer pursuing a degree in Political Science. Instead, I plan on pursuing a trade - electrical work and/or construction. I've been brainstorming a few business ideas similar to Airbnb and Uber in hopes to expand the sharing economy.

ABOUT ME

I'm starting to realize that I don't know exactly who I am, who I want to be, where I'm headed, or how long it's going to take to get there. I do know that there are billions of people in this world and millions of square miles to roam.

"We learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it than we do from learning the answer itself." - Lloyd Alexander

PHILOSOPHY

"The trouble is, you think you have time." -Buddha

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My favorite thing to do is pack a bag and leave the monotony of everyday life and wander somewhere. The spontaneity of these "mental health holidays" is absolutely liberating. As much as it is about getting away from the monotony, it is also about seeing new things, meeting new people, and pressing the reset button for a clearer mind and calmer soul.

Although I'm new to couchsurfing, my former roommate has hosted many people via couchsurfing at our house. We've met some incredible people from all around the world with stories that should be heard.

Let's connect and bring each other together. We can't afford to be torn apart - especially in the political and social climate we are in now.

Interests

I've got an open mind and interested in many things. Although I'm not active in the political/activist community at the moment, I enjoy talking politics. I like doing handyman work and wouldn't mind offering my services to a host if time permits.

I like to wander, explore, travel, and meditate.

I like finding random thrills. I enjoy getting off the beaten path. I like to try new things.

• lgbt rights
• walking
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• eating out
• music
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• canoeing
• camping
• event travel
• adventure travel
• mountains
• urban exploration
• activism
• exploring
• democratic socialism
• wandering
• sharing economy
• carpentry
• cruising
• roaming

Music, Movies, and Books

The evolutionary history of my music choices as well as the situational preferences and historical periods in which I've preferred songs, artists, genres, etc. makes it difficult to identify a favorite. Ask me what I've been listening to lately! Introduce me to some new stuff as well.

I don't watch movies often enough to even have a clue on my favorite. I'm more inclined to binge on TV series or watch reruns of Seinfeld. Louie, Baskets, House of Cards, Shameless, and Maron are some of my favorite shows.

One of my biggest flaws is not reading enough. I've got a bookshelf full of books I've bought to read but haven't been able to focus long enough to get into them.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

When I came out at 19 years old, I didn't have much knowledge of the LGBTQ community. I'd known for years that I was gay but I refused to accept it until I finally couldn't keep oppressing myself. I struggled with anxiety and fear for being ostracized by those that I looked up to and those I loved. When I finally broke the chains that were holding me down I wanted to make a difference for future generations so they don't have to live in fear like I did. Being the rebel that I am, I worked with a lawyer and some LGBTQ friends and allies I'd met since coming out and started the Arkansas Initiative for Marriage Equality (AIME). We submitted language to the Attorney General until he finally approved it. We started collecting signatures, holding events, staging protests, making the news, and fundraising money. We had brought same-sex marriage to the fore-front in a right-wing state and we weren't going to shut up until we won. Much blood, sweat, tears, and money as spent fighting this fight but it finally had a sweet ending when Judge Piazza struck down the ban on gay marriage and didn't put a stay on the decision. After organizing a mass wedding and rally at the Pulaski County Courthouse, AIME suspended the campaign for signatures.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teaching and learning comes naturally with conversations, storytelling, and our actions. Through interaction and comprehension in conversation and reaction to and analysis of actions, observations and judgments are made. Our brains are engaged. We are learning. That doesn't make us smarter or wiser. The proper utilization of what is learned will determine your wisdom.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Besides sharing stories, memories, and good times, I'd be happy to help around the house or with any handyman projects if time permits! I'm open to requests as well!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, South Korea

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States