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On this #ValentinesDay I choose to write a love letter--and a confession. The love letter is to the brave souls who, 50 years ago this June, launched the Stonewall Riots and gave birth to the modern LGBTQ rights movement. The confession? Well, read on. This isn't easy to say. /1
As a child, I always knew that I was different than the other boys. They would talk about "Monica," but I had my heart on "Bobby." I played along, but I knew that if I spoke my heart, I would be ostracized. So I remained silent. /2
After I became an actor, a few colleagues knew that I was gay, but the world at large did not. Coming out could end a career in that day. I remember watching heartthrob actor Tab Hunter be outed in the gossip rags, then dropped from studios and projects. So I remained silent. /3
When I would go to gay bars to meet other men, there was always the risk that the cops would come and arrest us for being "deviants" and "perverts." People who were caught lost their jobs and their families. I was afraid and kept a low profile. So I remained silent. /4
In 1969, a miracle happened. Gay people grew tired of the harassment, and a brave group at the @StonewallInnNYC, led by drag queens and trans people, fought back. Three days of riots ensued in NYC, and a movement began. But I was unready to join them. So I remained silent. /5
In the 1980s, AIDS struck our community. Gay men were dying by the thousands. Society reacted not with compassion but revulsion and fear. Many people marched for their lives. I gave funds, went to fundraisers as a "closeted supporter." I was not out. So I remained silent. /6
In 2005, then-governor of CA, Arnold Schwarzenegger, vetoed a law that would have legalized same-sex marriage. Again, young people took to the streets. Seeing them filled me with pride and resolve. This time, with Brad, I made a choice. I came out. I was no longer silent. /7
In 2019, I am honored to be one of the #StonewallAmbassadors, bringing the spirit of Stonewall to people across the world, where our work remains so very unfinished. Being an out and proud member of the LGBT community has been a blessing beyond measure. /8
This is my personal journey, from silence to spokesperson, from fear to "fabulosity." I stayed silent for so long, but in honor of those intrepid folks who first stood up for our rights, I will never again be silent or silenced. /9
If my story has inspired you, please consider showing love and support for @StonewallDay by donating at the link to this historic 50th anniversary, presented by @PrideLive. From Brad and me, our thanks, and happy #ValentinesDay. -- Uncle George /end ohmyyy.gt/7nySKS
