What I don't understand is why we, the gay community feel like we have to hide who we are. I mean I do realize that there are a great deal of ignorant people out there, and that our jobs, not to mention our lives could be in jeopardy. I just try to live my life as drama free as I possibly can. I do not make being gay the center of my life, it's just a small part of who I am. I am proud to be gay, and I am out. I do not scream it as I run down the street, but anyone who knows me knows I am gay. It has not hindered me in my career, and I would like to think I have changed some minds concerning what being gay is really about. We are just like everyone else.
I really honestly believe if more gays and lesbians were to be more open and not hide, and show the society that we live in, that it's not a horrible sin, then things would be better.
Maybe I am a dreamer. I would like to think so.
Don't get me wrong, I do understand why the majority of the gay community has to be quiet. I mean I do , and I don't. I could have chosen to keep my true self a secret and hide, but it's not in me to do that.
Maybe I come across lucky that with my job and family I can be who I am. But I have lost a job because I am gay, and lost those who I thought were my friends, and even a few members of my family likes to ignore it. I have been harrassed and once even attacked in a car, simply for being gay. But it does not change the way I feel.
We need to stop hiding and stand up for who we are, and make society change. It will never get better if we keep our tails between our legs. Think about the way women were treated in the earlier years, or not too recently, the fight for equal rights for African Americans.
For those of you guys out there who feel like me, I applaud you. And those of you, for whatever reasons, feel you have to remain in hiding, I can sympathize and hope if nothing else, this will make you think about what I am saying.
I know things will not change over night, but it is my dream, that one day in the future, life will not be as hard for our Gay and Lesbian brothers and sisters. That they will be able to live as openly and lovingly as the heterosexuals do.
I would hate to think I could die for my views. That I could be targeted or singled out because I am gay. But if it was God's will to die to help get this message across I would. I feel that strongly about it. I just want the world we live in, to accept us as we are.
Living in fear is a horrible thing. Living at peace with yourself IS living.
