There have been a lot of defining years that have gone by in my life in relation to being gay. I reflect upon how difficult it was growing up in a small town and dealing with the fact that I was different from the norm. My town was very much the all
American town where high school football was religion and being a jock meant you were the definition of all that was ideal in this town. I cant begin to tell you how much I look at certain things that transpired when I was going through school when other kids assumed I was gay. It was a difficult time to be teased, taunted and threatened.
Unfortunately, in this time, I learned what hate really was. How could I be hated for my difference? The fact that I
didn't fit this social norm meant that I was a threat to its core. I felt that I finally began to live when i went to college. I finally was able to spread my wings and fly. I met my first gay friend Brian and he was the first person I came out to. It was one of the most freeing experiences of my life.
Its amazing sometimes how I look how those experiences defined who I am today. Those who know me now and the man I am today know that I
don't take shit from anyone. I am a very straight-forward poised man who is not afraid to speak his mind and make sure his audience knows it. That did come from the fact that one day I finally had enough and I said no one is going to define me or make me feel that I am less of a man or a human every again. Therefore I have a pretty tough exterior.
Anyway the reason for this blog is that I read recently about a young gay man in high school who was shot in the head
because he wanted another boy to be his Valentine. This also reminds me of when Matthew Sheppard was viciously killed almost a decade ago. These are moments that make me scared for my sexuality and each have pressed deep against my heart.
I am however very fortunate to have some pretty
progressively thinking parents who have always accepted me for being me and also it helps that my sister is also gay. I am very
fortunate for that family foundation.
Unfortunately, when you walk out the doors of your home the world is a much
different place.
On a final note: It is simply time to put Hate Crimes Legislation to the forefront. Its also time to educate our children that hate is not a value.
Just a little something that made me laugh today at Target. I was passing by a mother and her son, who I would say was about 5 or 6. The mother picked up a dress and put it in the cart. Then the little boy exclaimed "Mom!, That is a cute dress" 
