Thursday, January 12, 2012

I'm from Michigan...

I'm from driftwood was started by Nathan Manske who is from Driftwood, Texas.
 He is collecting stories from all over the United States and abroad about the struggles and successes of GLBT people coming to terms with what life has given them. Early in the process, I was delighted to be asked to participate. We've never gotten around to recording a video, but my story was published back in March of 2010.

This is my story. Click on the link and perhaps you'll understand better how I got to be where I am today.

6 comments:

MorningAJ said...

"We had a parade and everything."

Stew - I hope life continues to be a parade for you both. You deserve it.
XX

Moving with Mitchell said...

Thank you so much for sharing this. I also hope there are many more wonderful parades in your lives.

Jim said...

Stew, so happy that you have found your mate and continue to 'spread the word' that it is OK to be gay. Thanks.

www.FarmLifeLessons.blogspot.com said...

Stewart -- you are a brave man. My husband's nephew, who is my husband's brother's only child/son is 21 and finally came out about being gay. On one hand, it is devastating because of the expectations for a man to have a family, blah, blah, blah, but on the other hand, we are so proud that he is true to himself. Every time my husband and his brother go fishing, his brother says, "You do know my son is gay." Finally, this past time, my husband responded, "I've known a lot longer than you've known and it's ALWAYS been okay." My husband gives his nephew love. My husband, the Deputy Sheriff in Harris County, (Houston, Texas) is always sure to let his nephew know that he loves him and it makes no difference about his sexual orientation. My mother-in-law tried to talk us into letting the nephew move into our house...WRONGLY thinking that my husband would "man-up" the boy from his "confusion." We set her straight, but it probably is only temporary since she doesn't want to admit to the truth. The nephew likes fast cars, has tattoos, and defies so much of what people think when gay stereotyping...he's trying to find his way. Making it loud and clear that he is gay and we are glad that he is strong enough in character to believe in who he is. Thanks for paving the way.

P.S. I am a Christian, but I was taught that we ALL do things that are sins and we ALL simply need the mercy of God for this life. I am going out on a limb here for my fellow bloggers to see---I had premarital sex with my husband, so am I going to be forever persecuted? And I think I said the "F" word last week a couple of times. Anyone who thinks their little life and their sins are less than the next is the biggest fool of all. I think the point Jesus was trying to make, as the biggest hippy of us all, is to LOVE each other in spite of anything we might see in another as a "fault."

Hope I didn't say anything offensive, but I get the feeling that you'll understand what I'm trying to say.

Lana

Unknown said...

thank you all for your comments.
I guess in my business, we have parades every day. And each one is celebrating a wonderful life.
I am proud to be part of each celebration because I believe that everyone is worth celebrating.
Lana, thank you for not only commenting but sharing. I found several parts funny and others touching. It means a lot to me that each of you take the time to share your thoughts.

laurak/ForestWalkArt :) said...

stew...thanks for sharing your story...

it's so very unfortunate that in this world there's still so much prejudice & misunderstanding.
i'm NOT an organized religion believer...they seem to preach honesty & acceptance...but they don't.

it's so much better for the spirit to be able to BE who you are without worry...or fear...

thanks. i'm glad to have found you.

(ps - my brother was gay. we were VERY close...(he passed away a few years ago). i remember when he 'came out'...to our folks...they just thought he would eventually 'change'...they kept saying how sorry they were for him because he would grow old being lonely...that he was just confused. i would just shake my head in disbelief...)