I Am What I Am

There’s an old gay saying that not much comes between a gay man and his dog. This distinct bond has been written about a lot, and it’s not difficult to say why. In a society that has not always condoned gay men having children, our dog, or in my case dogs, can be akin to having kids. And because many gay men, sadly, still find themselves ostracized from their families, a dog can be the one companion who loves unconditionally and wholeheartedly. I’m not saying that gay men love their dogs more deeply than other dog lovers, but dogs do play a role in our lives that is remarkable if not unique.

On every trip across the Atlantic that summer, the plane hit some of the most violent thunderstorms I’ve ever experienced. I fly frequently. I know the signs. When the flight attendants buckle up, hold hands and begin to sing « Kumbaya », the turbulence is going to be bad.

Quoting a mother who wrote to him about her transgender daughter: “Some day, I will probably have to say goodbye to my baby girl. And when that happens, I will cry, be sad, and then put her pictures away. Then I will greet the son that will be coming into my life with open arms and a loving heart.”

I’m claustrophobic when I’m in confined spaces—which is probably why I had to get out of the closet as soon as possible.