Change of heart

[doitb4ugo]

Today I marched in Boston's Gay Pride parade. Though not out yet, I felt it was something I could handle...I marched with a support group I belong to; Gay Fathers of Greater Boston....

 

I had not intended that the experience would be something deep and emotionally felt. Yet it was....my journey so far has been about guilt, pain, anger and a lot of not very positive feelings about what I am doing with my life....I have to say that marching and hearing people clapping, cheering, waving and supporting me was a huge emotional boost and I am still high over it....I did not think it was possible for me to be proud of who I am..but I AM....

[Bosguy]

SO DAMNED PROUD OF YOU RICH. Wish I could be there right now to give you a great big hug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Love ya,

Boston Bill

[+ Travis69]

Remember this day and those good feelings as you go forward. Always be proud of who you are.

[jawjateck]

Congrats on being able to receive the encouragement others offered to you; it seems easy to do, but alot of people refuse to accept well wishes sent their way, and remain trapped in a downward spiral of bitterness. I hope your breakthrough will lead to ever-increasing joys in the days to come.

[bigvalboy]

Rich, I am proud and so very happy for you, that you had this realization today. It is often the simplest of things that make the biggest differences.

[+ Lucky]

Pride parades can do that. And I am glad that this one did it for you. Thanks for participating, and may your growth continue.

[LookingAround]

Today I marched in Boston's Gay Pride parade. Though not out yet, I felt it was something I could handle...I marched with a support group I belong to; Gay Fathers of Greater Boston.....

 

Really glad for you but if you march in a gay pride parade, I kinda think you're "out." :-)

[rvwnsd]

Good for you! Marching in a Pride parade is certainly a step on the journey to being out. I remember how I felt holding one side of AIDS Walk Chicago's banner in the Pride parade shortly after I came out in the 1990's. I still have the T-shirt marked "Staff" and wear it often. I will never give that thing up.

 

Congratulations.

[Guest Merlin155]

That is Brilliant!!!!... Proud of you...

[tyro]

You are much loved around here, sir. I'm glad your journey of self-acceptance has taken you to this place. This forum needs you and your positive energy. Keep up the good work.

Tyro

[Racketjock]

Congrutlations! Being an example and a presence is a gift we all can give.

[Diverdan]

CONGRATULATIONS....very PROUD of you and Best Wishes as you continue to absorb that positive energy from Forum members as well as your friends and strangers. It was a great step forward for you and so glad you felt renewed and loved in the process. Don't ever look back........

[maxwellissmart]

CONGRATULATIONS....very PROUD of you and Best Wishes as you continue to absorb that positive energy from Forum members as well as your friends and strangers. It was a great step forward for you and so glad you felt renewed and loved in the process. Don't ever look back........

 

Exactly. I plan to do this myself soon.

[leigh.bess.toad]

And here I thought tomorrow was going to be a special day for you (well it will be, but that post will wait for a few hours). I am so proud of you Rich, and proud to call you my friend. My partner and I are just back from the DC pride parade and festival (I have no idea what we are going to do with the 60-70 beads we got -- we had so many we got neck aches from wearing them all). As you found out, it can be a tremendously uplifting and empowering experience. We didn't march -- not on my bum knee. But even being there, and celebrating with the thousands of others is a great experience.

 

You should be proud of yourself. We are all tremendously proud of you. Keep up the struggle. And enjoy the journey. It does get better.

[Boner]

my journey so far has been about guilt, pain, anger and a lot of not very positive feelings about what I am doing with my life

 

Welcome to your real life. I'm so happy that you have arrived. It still will be with strife, but knowing and embracing the core of yourself, and who you are, will be the most important strength which you will ever need to draw upon again in the future. The other people who once suggested otherwise to you are the ones who you now know don't matter.

 

It still wont be easy. Life is hard and being openly gay is only one of those hurdles which many of us have overcome. Once you realize that being openly gay is not a boat anchor around your neck - you will then realize that some of the finest sailing ships on the seas, sail with fabric woven and created by your very own people.

 

Sails which hold a steady wind, and move people and vessels forward, are created with unity and common cause.

 

We are the people who do that. We have done this for decades. History proves this to be true. Reject all others whom might persuade or alter you to believe otherwise.

 

We are the people who unite the world when indifference and difference matters. We do not do this because we have nothing else better to do with our lives, but because our lives will never be better, except for us, and what we do to further the cause for us all.

[JoeBlow]

Congratulations Rich. I'm very happy for you and extremely proud of you. That is quite a monumental step, and is one which I would love to take myself someday. Thanks for sharing your positive experience.