Talking Out Loud: A Digital Journey of Advocacy and Awareness into 2026

Collage letters on a textured wall spell out a powerful reminder: "USE your Voice," encouraging self-expression and advocacy.

Twenty-two years ago, I sat at my trusty desktop, staring into the glowing screen of a machine that felt more like a spaceship than a writing tool. The digital age was dawning, and blogging—this newfangled form of expression—was calling my name. I had read a few entries from others, unsure if I could contribute anything meaningful. But I took the plunge, typing my first words: "Our world has changed so dramatically over the last decade. We have been thoroughly challenged by both national and global activities of such a magnitude that I could no longer sit in silence."

And so began "Talking Out Loud," my personal blog and digital soapbox. With no formal training and only a handful of self-taught basics, I launched into the blogosphere, musing on whatever struck me as interesting. I had no roadmap, no expectations, and certainly no idea if anyone would read a single word. But I wrote anyway each day before my daily work shift.

The Local Media Landscape

In those early years, the LGBTQ+ media landscape in Arkansas was sparse. Publications like Arkansas Gay Writes, The Advisor, and The READ struggled to survive, often relying on limited ad revenue and community support. Despite the presence of numerous local gay-owned businesses, advertising dollars were elusive, and subscriptions were few. These newsletters didn’t fade because of technological advances—they disappeared due to a lack of sustainable financial backing from both gay and non-gay businesses.

A Fearless Voice in the Digital Town Hall

As I revisited my blog archives from 2004 to 2009, and again from 2011 to 2018, I was struck by the breadth of topics I had tackled. I was fearless, diving into everything from the 2004 ADH STI/HIV funding scandal—complete with missing federal funds, a diamond-ring diva, and a phantom organization—to the arrival of Ralph Wilmoth as Section Chief and the departmental shake-ups that followed.

I highlighted Emmy winner Cheryl Lee Ralph’s powerful 2009 one-woman show about a woman living with AIDS, and chronicled my own historic election in 2012 as the first openly Black gay man living with HIV to serve as Co-chair of the Arkansas HIV Planning Group (AHPG).

A modern workspace set with a sleek laptop, a smartphone, a coffee cup, and a small plant, creating an inviting and productive atmosphere.

Community, Controversy, and Commitment

Over the years, I covered the rise and fall of at least ten nonprofit organizations, documented countless fundraising efforts—including the beloved "Babes in Toyland"—and held politicians accountable at both the state and local levels. I didn’t shy away from controversy, even when it meant ruffling feathers within the LGBTQ+ community. What surprised me most was discovering that I had a loyal readership—people who claimed ignorance of the blog but were quick to react when their names or deeds were mentioned or not mentioned.

Still Talking Out Loud in 2026

Now, in 2026, I find myself once again at the helm of a blog post, kicking off the year for Arkansas RAPPS with renewed purpose. Our award-winning Stay Ready PrEP Awareness campaign is a testament to the power of education and access in HIV prevention. And I’m still "talking out loud," using my voice to elevate, inform, and inspire.

Who knew that a spontaneous decision to join the digital town hall would evolve into a decades-long journey of advocacy and awareness? I remain vigilant, committed to documenting the issues that matter, and hopeful that the time capsule I’ve created will offer future generations a glimpse into our shared struggles and triumphs.

This is more than a blog. It’s a legacy. You can discover the time capsule at www.corneliusonpoint.blogspot.com