Be you and no one else

As said by the Daily Purge and Pod is my copilot

October 11th is National Coming Out Day and for those of you that have chosen this day to do so, I say congratulations! You have a lot of support, love, and hope around you. Be proud of who you are, you have no one to answer to but yourself!



My first experience with a person who was gay was with my mother's best friend growing up named Vance. They were so close, i called him uncle Vance. I don't remember specific things as I very young. But I remember when it became apparent that uncle Vance was gay. I believe I was six years old. My mom took me to his house where he lived with his partner. They were holding hands, doing what any other couple would be doing. I don't remember questioning it, being confused, or anything of that nature.

My uncle Vance was also HIV positive. I don't know if it was from drug use or unprotected sex. My mom didn't talk about it with me. I hear a lot of it was the early 80's and no one knew any better. Vance moved to Alaska in the mid 80's. He committed suicide about 15 years ago. My mom said he just couldn't handle what was happening to him. It really is very sad.

I am appreciative that I had the experience of having Vance in my life. My mother isn't usually accepting of others who are "different." I think that if Vance were straight, I may not have the same feelings or opinions when it comes to the Gay community. But then again, I could have.

I guess what I am saying is that I wish nothing but good things for anyone regardless of who you are, gay, straight, ect. Just be who you are and be proud. There are a ton of people who are proud of you, including me.