The Blogger Interviews: Godwyns Onwuchekwa
I’ve had the pleasure of talking to a lot of bloggers in the past couple of years, but none so far who have used their blogging as a platform for change in gay rights. Not until I met Godwyns that is. Gowdyns is a long time London Bloggers Meetup member who tells me his blog provides a voice to support his campaign – something that has been picking up speed of late.
Now Godwyns is a colourful character. Not only does he blog about gay rights but when I first met him he was writing a poetry blog, featuring his own works such as this one you can read here. Now before you click, I should just warn you that Godwyns writes erotic poetry and this one, written for LBM’ers, is called Coitus Blogging. Now with that warning out of the way go ahead and enjoy.
If you are ever at an LBM and would like to meet Godwyns, just look out for someone with an enormous smile. I can pretty much guarantee you’ll spot him, he’ll be somewhere in the room having a laugh and chatting warmly to another blogger. It’s been a pleasure getting to know Godwyns and more recently about his campaign.
Now without further ramblings, let me hand you over to Godwyns for a peak into his world…
1. What’s your blog called and what’s the URL?
My blog is called ‘My Person’ and the url is www.godwyns.com
2. What’s your blog all about ( in 20 words or less)?
Opinions on politics, human rights with a focus on gay rights and liberty issues.
3. When and why did you start blogging?
Started blogging 2003 but set up My Person in 2005. It is a focused on challenging the political frenzy surrounding people’s rights but especially as a platform for my activism as a gay rights campaigner.
4. Which blog platform do you use?
Blogger (blogspot)
5. Can you give an example of how blogging has enriched your life?
It has given me an avenue towards reaching the goals I hoped for. Presently, I have diversified from it to set up a gay rights campaign and pressure group which is now playing a very important role in challenging homophobia in black and African countries.
Through this new set up, The Commonwealth is now listening and talking to me and my group on how to improve the life of gay people in its member states. Also, I have become a part of the general gay rights campaign, speaking at events, demonstrations, appearing on panels and giving opinions to the media on issues that affects gay people.
6. Are there any blogs you recommend reading and why?
a. Peter Tatchell – dedicated to Human Rights, democracy and global justice.
b. LGBT Asylum News – a focus how asylum seeking by gay people is handled
c. Baroque in Hackney – literal intelligence
d. Nick robinson’s newslog – political analysis of current issues in UK politics
e. Murray Newlands – Marketing blog – great for info about blogging and online presence
f. London Underground’s blog – a diary of the London (from the) underground by a London woman
7. What three tips would you give to someone just starting out in blogging?
- Have a focus and create a niche subject
- Establish and maintain the frequency of update – if current affairs, differentiate between analysis and [live] reporting
- Write in an easy to read style and make it as short as possible [not more than 400 words at a go]
8. If you could change one thing about your blog what would it be?
Improve the amount of readers.
Andy: I don’t think you’re along with this one Godwyns..!
9. What is the key to getting readers to your blog?
Frequency of update and coverage of real topical issues on Human/Gay rights
10. And finally, why do you come to the London Bloggers Meetups?
A great place to meet other bloggers from various background and sector of blogging. Share ideas, create networks and learn new things on how to always improve in blogging. But I must not fail to mention that the socializing bit is incomparable all made possible by the amiable, clever and well-connected organiser, Andy Bargery.
So I will finish with a huge thanks to Andy for the great work he’s done in managing LBM all these years. Many cheers Andy.
Andy: Thanks Godwyns, much appreciated.
