For most of my 43 years, I have been acutely aware of the fact that I am a lesbian. However, like many of us, I have done everything to hide that from the world. In fact, to the “world” I am a successful, happily married Christian woman and a mother of 3 beautiful ‘young adults’. I have recently made the decision that in this coming year, I will finally be true to myself, stop the lying, and become “whole”. I worry about this decision on so many levels, but mostly that my children will not understand and I will lose them (even if only for the short term).
I was not previously a Chely Wright fan. In fact, I would not have recognized the name 3 months ago. However after hearing her story and reading “Like Me” something resonated deep within me. Although I am still not “out” I want to do whatever I can to help Chely with this cause that I feel will save so many young (and not so young) lives. I also feel that involvement (on some level) with this project may help me in my own journey that awaits me in the coming year.
Many of us worry tremendously about these young LGBT folks and I have decided to get involved. I was in the U.S. Military and I was brave enough to fight for this country. However, I have not been brave enough to stand up for who I am and what I believe in. The young people today who are being bullied ARE courageous enough to be true to themselves. They have the courage that I did not have and they are facing a great deal of adversity. Together, as a community, we can-and will-make a difference.
