There's nowt so Queer As Folk

It's an odd northern English saying, that basically translates to people are strange. It was co-opted for the British series Queer as Folk and then the American remake. There's been an issue with my cable the last few days, and I haven't had cable or internet since returning from San Fran. It's working now thanks to the tech replacing some part on the connector outside my apt, who knew?

Anyway, the past few days have seen me watching the original British series in it's entirety and then the first series of the American re-boot. I had never watched all of the British original before and was really impressed. There were aspects that I enjoyed more than the American version. It definitely felt more rushed though.

What the hell am I going on about you're probably wondering right now. Well, in watching the series originally years ago I always wondered which of the boys I most identified with. I knew my answer back then, Michael. Lately though, I don't know if that's true.

Sometimes I'm Justin - young and naive and willing to believe things to be true that clearly are not. I'm not Justin often, the jaded, cynical New Yorker won't let me be...but sometimes.

Sometimes I'm Emmett - my flame burns bright and if you're in the path, it will either show you the light or burn you...so beware.

Sometimes I'm Debbie - colourful and full of advice, whether you want it or not.

Sometimes I'm Vic - too old for this shit and all the games that get played.

Sometimes I'm Ted - anal retentive and unwilling to let go and have fun, unwilling to believe someone might be interested in me because that's not usually the case.

Sometimes I'm Michael - the faithful sidekick, always lurking in the shadows, perhaps afraid of the spotlight. Wanting a relationship, but not thinking he is deserving of one.

Sometimes I'm Brian - the narcissistic playboy. Sleeping with any hot boy in his path, unafraid to tell the truth, even if it hurts (although needing to be weary of the delivery of such barbs) and un-apologetic. Always in the spotlight and the center of attention. The way it should be. Never wanting to be tied down.

I used to think I was just Michael...with maybe a little Justin and maybe a little Ted...now I see that I am a combination of all of them...and Brian, believe it or not is the more dominant personality, especially when I travel and go out and about on my own. I've grown since the series first aired. I've matured. Other parts of my personality have developed. I'm not one character anymore, I'm all of them...the good and the bad. I've become more self-confident, and surprisingly, still need to work on being more like Brian in that regard. I am a good catch...now others need to see it. I don't need to show them, they need to see it, I know it's true. While, unlike Brian, I want to settle down and have a relationship, I need be more like him and put myself out there to get one or it will never happen...

there's nowt so queer as folk...and the things we can learn from them...