My partner’s mother believes that the percentage of gay people moves up every year a few points, and she might have a point. Just the other day a young friend of ours revealed to me she is gay. She’s headed off to college and she told me this more as a thank you for being a role model for her. Honestly, with three husbands in my back pocket, I am very amused at being a gay role model for anyone.
But I thought about the plight of the gay youth yet again and other than being a living role model, what would I tell them that is different from what I would tell a straight kid heading off to college. And honestly, I think the words might have more expansive meaning for the gay kid than the straight kid but what I’d tell them exactly would be the same. Follow your heart, don’t ever be ashamed of who you are as you explore all of who you are. Self-actualization is a wonderful journey and along the way even you will surprise yourself at who you are. Don’t be afraid when you find out you are not as perfect as you thought, and don’t take for granted when you exceed your own expectations.
Gay is not a label anyone has to wear no more than any other label society wants to hang around your neck. You are you at the end of the day and that means all of you – someone who loves and is loved, someone who takes risks and is also thoughtful, someone who thinks with eyes and ears open, and mouth closed unless you have something to say.
To my young gay friend going off to college, you don’t look or act different to me now that you have told me you’re gay, you’re still you, perfect and wonderful you.