My family & friends were supportive of me coming out to them. My mom had an exceptionally emotional reaction. Not because she didn't support my feelings, but since a disproportionate amount of Americans happened to be gay men contracting AIDS. It seemed, like a death sentence. 💔
My mom and I had a really long, open and honest conversation about safe sex, using condoms, protecting myself, and that she would support me, because I was her son. She was proud of me for confiding this in her. I didn't realize how big of a deal it was at the time. But it was.🕊️
My mother was married to her 2nd husband, my step-father. He did NOT take the news well about my coming out. He didn't see it as #Pride he saw it as shame. He dropped many f-bombs, and by "f" I mean fag. I was known as a fag in my household. In my own home. My mom was distraught.
The tension mounted with my mom & step-father, she constantly defended me 18 months. I fortunately found an #LGBTQ teenage support group in NYC where I could be me. I could feel 100% accepted which was huge. At this point in my life, it was a first. It was also a place of refuge.
My mom finally decided to divorce my step-father, and things got better. I began dating, which was wonderful. But it wasn't like today. My boyfriends and I had to pick & choose when we could show PDA. It never felt truly safe. I'd seen people beaten for being their true selves.💔
#Pride has come a long way since the 1980's. I still get called the "f" word, but it doesn't hurt as much. There are more support systems available. There is marriage equality. I honestly thought in my lifetime I wouldn't see that. We still have a LONG way to go for equal rights!
Last week's Supreme Court decision to prevent non-discrimination from employers for #LGBTQ made me overjoyed! BUT the rule to allow discrimination to patients was heartbreaking. I love my community & carry love in my heart. I will NEVER give up until we are EQUAL, all of us! 💜💪
