I’m pleased to once again have the chance to reach you once again via queerplanet.net. This isn’t my first time publishing here at queerplanet.

When I made the move from television to online media in 2003, I was very lucky to have the opportunity to write for queerplanet. In 2005, I left to start my own company, GaySocialites.com. I guess you could say things have come full circle for me as we acquired queerplanet.net over the summer.

Way back when I first started writing for queerplanet, my editor encouraged me to “think outside of the box” since queer doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be gay.

She used queer as a term to describe those that others may call odd. She told me that she wanted queerplanet to be a place where anyone would feel welcomed, especially those who might not feel comfortable anywhere else. That comment really stuck with me, and that’s why I want to make the new queerplanet.net more than just a gay news outlet.

If you’re looking for topics of gay interest, I’d recommend GaySocialites.com where you will find several of the former queerplanet contributors.

Here at the new queerplanet.net, our coverage will focus on abnormal news and odd information. We hope to add a brighter side to your day as we foster an environment where everyone can feel at home.

The term “queer” is what you take it for. Just because you’re queer doesn’t mean you’re a homosexual. As a matter of fact, some of the biggest queers and unusual people I know are heterosexuals.

For me, the term queer isn’t derogatory. In my opinion, a is queer someone who is unusual, extraordinary and not afraid to stray from the norm.

As that bumper sticker on my car during the late 90s read… “why be normal?” We’re here, were queer and we’re proud of it! We hope you’ll hang around too, and enjoy the fun!

["Charles On..." is a syndicated column that runs three times each week on three of the websites in our group. It sums up the thoughts of our President and Editorial Director, Charles Winters. Start your week off with a look at the odd things on his mind at queerplanet.net, an uplifting twist on Tuesdays at GaySocialites.com and his commentary on issues facing New York's Financial District on Wednesdays at www.FiDiNYC.info.]