Christiaan Rapcewicz introduces himself as a recent political science graduate enrolled in a public relations program who is interested in pursuing a career in gay PR. He outlines some of his interests including human rights issues, gay culture, music, and pornography. His goals are to educate others about gay culture and issues through online discussion and engagement with the gay community. He provides a SWOT analysis and a 10 step plan to help establish himself in the gay PR field through volunteering, networking, and pursuing internship opportunities at organizations like OUTtv and Pink Triangle Press.

1. Q is for Queer The brand of ‘C’

2. ABOUT ME My name is Christiaan Rapcewicz. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from McMaster University and am currently enrolled at Humber College in their postgraduate Public Relations certificate program. As an extremely outgoing and social person, I felt the field of public relations was the perfect fit for who I am. I am looking forward to exploring the exciting world that is Gay PR!

3. BIRD IS THE WORD EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING GAY: human rights issues; gay culture (especially gay gym culture); gay music & musicians; hot bodies and hot porno (to name a few things of interest) Change does not scare me, I embrace it and experience it for the best Always up for a challenge Don’t be afraid to try everything at least once

4. THE DRIVING FORCE To effectively and professionally immerse myself in the world of Gay PR by exposing myself to and engaging myself with the online gay community through discussion of critical gay issues, as well as issues that I find humour in I feel a personal duty to share my knowledge and to educate the online public about gay culture and wish to arouse interest and spark conversation on such issues

5. RAISE THAT FAG…I MEAN FLAG! Be authentic Be true to myself & my values Embrace the GAY! Adding a little ‘C’ to the sea of red, orange, yellow, green, blue & purple

6. SWOT Strengths Organized; pay attention to detail; leader; realist; optimist; excellent listener and communicator; confident; I am who I am Value honesty; critical minds; a voice Weaknesses Straight-forward, in-your-face persona – too blunt at times - can be seen as offensive (I see it as honesty) Overly social – sometimes when the environment doesn’t call for it (ie. Work)

7. SWOT Opportunity I am a rare pr practitioner – delving into the world of gay pr! This may ease competition – I will be extremely proactive in putting my gay foot in the door Threats Double-edged sword: although I am a rare pr practitioner, opportunities for areas of interest may be hard to come by – there may be career limitations Obstacles, not barriers – seize the opportunity for a challenge

8. STRATEGY Rationale To educate and inform the public on critical gay issues, while welcoming online discussion in order to successfully become an expert in the field of gay PR Audience Primarily the gay male community who wish to engage in all that is gay

9. 10 + 1 STEP ODE TO SUCCESS I will stay true to my personality and values I will always be open to new experiences – always say ‘yes’ and never say ‘no’ Incorporate gay issues of interest into my career path I will be proactive. I will always be in my element. I will expose myself [in any way ;)] online and publicly and network with other professionals who are active in the gay PR industry I will volunteer at prospective places of employment, such as OUTtv and PrideToronto I will be authentic. I will let everyone know who I am and what I have to offer. No holding back (as cliché as it is) I will project confidence and comfort with myself – this will be my “marketing” strategy I will dress for success I will be vigilant about my online identity. I will enhance my online brand by creating a strong profile (and update it frequently) +1 I will let you touch my junk ;) BOOYAH!

10. WHILE I’M STILL YOUNG Although I will not insert any exact dates (because things to change), I do have a rough estimate of where I would like myself to be in the future. At this point, I am still a student. However, on the path to completion, I would like to have my brand established for the working world. This may involve revisiting and revising, but it is part of the process. I will begin volunteering at prospective places of employment come the summer months. These places include OUTtv and PrideToronto. I will also pursue career-enhancing jobs (part-time) to build my resume at places such as FLY Nightclub, Woody’s or Buddies (to name a few) as a club/event promoter.

11. …ALMOST. THERE. After courses have been completed and it is time for work experience, I will pursue an internship opportunity at OUTtv, PrideToronto, or Pink Triangle Press (Xtra). If all goes well, I hope to continue my career path in the gay PR industry by working for one of these companies and continue to do event planning/club promotion on the side These goals have been set to include the next 5 – 10 years of my life. Once I have been established in the world of gay pr, I will pursue other career objectives (such as being the face or spokesperson of a major gay company or even be the face of my own gay company) – In what specific area? …that has yet to be determined. Only time and growing interests will tell.

12. FIND ME ONLINE LinkedIn Twitter - @thatgaytweet Facebook Blog - http://yourequeerdear.blogspot.com/

13. SOME MOTIVATIONAL HUMOUR…shhh…listen Yeah, that’s right. GAY’S WILL ROCK YOU!