"The Hybrid POV": Unapologetically Real, Boldly Human

By Leroy aka Roy The Top Hybrid, Founder & CEO of the House of Hybrid

Welcome, everyone, to *The Hybrid POV*, my new space on Substack where we explore deeply, ask tough questions, and aren't afraid to face hard truths. First, I want to share why I started this blog, what led me here, and what you can expect from our journey together. *The Hybrid POV* is more than just a newsletter—it's an evolving community, a place for bold ideas, unfiltered opinions, and meaningful conversations. It's where we unpack raw, unapologetic truths that influence our lives, especially for those who don’t often see their realities reflected in mainstream narratives.

So why launch this blog, and why now?

The Genesis: How I Got Here and Why It Matters

The idea for *The Hybrid POV* has been developing for years. As a Black autistic man navigating a world that often struggles to accept difference, I've faced challenges that pushed me to my limits: discrimination, social isolation, and a lack of accommodations that made even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Along the way, I encountered toxic expectations and wrestled with feelings of being "too much" or "not enough." But as I faced these struggles, I also discovered beauty in the chaos. I learned to embrace my introverted nature, found strength in my neurodiversity, and realized that the stories I have to tell are far from niche—they are universal, resonating with anyone who has ever felt marginalized, misunderstood, or simply tired of conforming to society’s rules.

Now feels like the right time to start this blog because I’m not just sharing my thoughts—I’m inviting you into a community where we can break down barriers, challenge norms, and have some uncomfortable but necessary conversations. We’re discussing the issues many would rather ignore: mental health, toxic dating standards, societal expectations, and the real, lived experiences of neurodiverse individuals and marginalized communities.

What You Can Expect from "The Hybrid POV"

Here, we focus on genuine stories rather than cookie-cutter narratives or fluff pieces. Expect honest, bold commentary with a touch of dark humor and wit. We’ll go beyond surface discussions to explore life’s deeper layers. From navigating the complexities of dating and social life as an autistic individual to addressing everyday microaggressions faced by people of color, we’re laying it all out there.

Posting Schedule: You can expect new content to be posted on a weekly basis. Free subscribers will receive regular articles, while paid subscribers will gain access to exclusive content, early drafts, and behind-the-scenes insights into my writing process.

Let’s break down what subscribing to *The Hybrid POV* offers:

For Free Subscribers:

- Weekly articles covering topics from neurodiversity and mental health to social commentary.

- Personal stories and reflections designed to inspire, challenge, and provoke thought.

- Open threads where you can share your thoughts and participate in meaningful discussions.

For Paid Subscribers:

- Exclusive Deep-Dive Content: More detailed explorations of complex issues affecting marginalized communities.

- Early Access and Bonus Posts: Read new content first, plus access to bonus stories and essays not available to free subscribers.

- Community Events and Livestreams: Join virtual meetups where we discuss trending topics, mental health, and social justice, or just relax and chat.

- Discounts on House of Hybrid Products: Take advantage of special deals on handmade items from the House of Hybrid Etsy store, including clothing, art prints, and more.

Building the House of Hybrid: More Than Just a Brand

Before launching *The Hybrid POV*, I founded House of Hybrid—a platform that focuses not only on selling merchandise but also on building a vibrant lifestyle community. House of Hybrid champions marginalized voices and provides a safe space for creatives who have been overlooked. It’s a place where art, fashion, advocacy, and community come together, driven by a shared mission to uplift Black autistic individuals and others on the autism spectrum, while fostering a more inclusive society. But let me be clear: this journey hasn’t been without challenges. I’ve faced many setbacks, from discrimination in the workplace to social rejection. There were times when it felt like I was speaking into a void, struggling to be heard amid a sea of indifference. Still, I persisted because, deep inside, I knew our stories deserved to be told. I created House of Hybrid to be a space where the unheard could be heard, and now, *The Hybrid POV* advances that mission even further by exploring the lived experiences that inspired it all.

What Has Brought Me Here: The Road Less Traveled

The journey to this point has been marked by contradictions and complexities. As someone who has always felt "different," fitting into society's neat little boxes was never an option. From a young age, I was aware of my differences—whether it was the way I communicated, processed emotions, or interacted with the world around me. Autism added an extra layer to the struggle, amplifying the challenges that come with being Black in a society that often overlooks stereotypes.

My experiences range widely: working in the food and beverage industry, where I faced dismissiveness and microaggressions, to the chaotic yet exhilarating world of content creation on platforms like Twitch and YouTube as Roy Hybrid. In every environment, I've fought not only for my place but also to pave the way for others like me.

Real-Life Scenarios: When Boundaries Aren't Respected

For example, I recall a time when a "friend" thought giving me a subscription to an adult website would somehow cheer me up. It was probably well-intentioned, but it revealed how often people misunderstand the support we truly need. Instead of addressing my feelings of loneliness or talking about how to cope with my anxiety, this person minimized my struggles as something insignificant and completely missed the point of genuine empathy. The truth is that society often struggles to meet the needs of those who don’t fit the norm. That’s exactly why *The Hybrid POV* exists — to have these conversations, not just for awareness, but to create real change.

What Kind of Space Will This Be? A Community of Authenticity

Think of *The Hybrid POV* as your straightforward, no-nonsense corner of the internet. Here, we don't prioritize political correctness for politeness or chase empty positivity. We're here to challenge assumptions, promote acceptance, and spark conversations that go beyond hashtags and buzzwords. This is a space for those tired of being underestimated or told to "just fit in." It’s where we can be unapologetically ourselves, embracing our differences and drawing strength from shared experiences.

The Hybrid POV Manifesto: Three Key Principles

Let’s break it down into three pillars that will guide this blog:

1. Vulnerability as Strength: We don’t shy away from discussing the messy, raw, or real. Our stories are our power, and sharing them shows courage, not weakness.

2. Community Over Conformity: We’re not here to fit a mold; we’re here to create a new one. This space values authenticity and acceptance over superficial standards.

3. Boldly Human: Life is complex, and so are we. The content here reflects that complexity, tackling topics from mental health to cultural criticism with nuance and dark, witty humor.

Until the Next One…The Top Hybrid Is Out.

Thanks for joining me on this debut. This journey is just getting started, and I’m excited to build this community with you. Your thoughts and support are what will shape *The Hybrid POV* into something truly transformative. So, let’s make it real, let’s make it raw, and let’s make it unapologetically us.

Are you loving the content? Let’s take this journey together! Follow and share my blog, drop your thoughts on my platforms (Discord & Instagram are where it's at!), and if you’re feeling extra generous, a little love on here or Cash App ($RoyHybrid24) would be incredible. Your support fuels this mission to create top-notch content and build an incredible community.

[https://discord.gg/92VJAwzmX9]

[https://linqapp.com/royhybrid]

For business inquiries or to chat, please reach me at [lrcj24@proton.me]. Let's make this month unforgettable. Stay awesome and take care of each other.

---

FAQs

1. What topics will "The Hybrid POV" cover?

Expect a mix of social commentary, mental health advocacy, discussions on neurodiversity, and reflections on dating and relationships from an unapologetic perspective.

2. How often will new posts appear?

Weekly posts every Wednesday, with bonus content for paid subscribers and weekend opinion pieces.

3. What is House of Hybrid, and how is it connected to this blog?

House of Hybrid is a lifestyle community and Etsy store founded to amplify the voices of marginalized individuals. *The Hybrid POV* extends that mission by diving deeper into the lived experiences that inform our advocacy.

4. Why should I become a paid subscriber?

Paid subscribers get access to exclusive content, early drafts, community events, and discounts on House of Hybrid products.

5. How can I support this blog beyond subscribing?

Engage with the content, share posts with your network, and consider a donation via Cash App ($RoyHybrid24) to help keep the mission alive.

Join *The Hybrid POV*, where we speak truth, live boldly, and embrace the chaos.

---