There are times in life when we lose people we care about for many reasons. Such reasons can be from death, loss of communication, stress, time conflicts, work, and any other reason that prohibits you from being with them. Life can be harsh on such things. But, what can we do when stuff like this happens? Continue reading
When I first came out of the closet back in 2009, I researched many topics that concerned the LGBT community, and there was one specific issue that I never thought I would find myself to be in: Being in loving relationship with someone from overseas.
Today, on my way home from work, I got a random text from a family friend of mine who I am not really close to, but our roots go way back when both our moms used to work together as nurses way before we were even born. Her text said something like this”:
“I need to speak to you. The past 2 years, a lot has been going through my mind. lol this is pretty random”
At first, I thought this was a message that she meant to send to someone else because normally I do not get messages from her. Out of the blue came a message that would change both our lives.
A little info about this friend of mine: she’s a very excellent musician, and she’s Filipino. She’s not out, and she’s just now starting to accept this part of her.
She’s not the first person to come out to me, however, every time someone does come out to me about who they are, I feel honored to be one of the few people that he/she would confide in, and in this case, I am the one of the very few that knows about this part of her. We talked for a couple of hours, and after our conversation, she felt much better. I am glad that I was there for her when she needed someone to listen to and talk to especially when not many people may understand her.
Looking back when I was going through the same stage she is currently in, I did not have many people who were able to understand me. I perfectly understand where she’s coming from. She said the exact same words I said not too long ago when I came out to everybody I know:
“I don’t know many people who understand me. Yes, I do have straight friends who support me, but it’s not the same compared to knowing and having someone who is gay like me”.
Being visible about yourself can make yourself a beacon of hope for someone who is not visible. Especially if you are Asian like me, the light definitely shines brighter since the LGBT Asian Community is very invisible unfortunately.
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| Photo: All rights reserved. |
Today is a historical day for the LGBT community. New York approved a bill regarding same-sex marriage, and it has now been signed into law. So for all you gay couples out there who wish to marry, feel free to add the state of New York to one of the possible states where you can exchange your matrimonial vows with your beloved one.
One down, many more states to go. We will definitely receive a lot more heat form many organizations, especially many Fundamentalist Christian organizations who strongly believe that being gay is a “disease, a defect, and something that can be easily changed”. This is a good slap in the face for them LGBT community haters. Take that!
I am going to New York on July 8 to see a friend, and knowing that someone like me is welcome to this state makes me feel happy that there are places in this world where I can be accepted for who I am, like a “come as you are” type of thing.
Congratulations to New York for this amazing accomplishment, and hopefully more states follow the Big Apple’s footsteps in promoting equality among all.
For another day of life! Cheers!
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| Photo: All rights reserved. |
There is something amazing and therapeutic when it comes to the power of touch. Without it, the whole world will go down on its knees. Imagine a world where people never hug each other, hold hands, give each other High Fives!, or even walking hand in hand.
When I visited my girlfriend for the first time in her hometown, the power of touch became really significant. It was both our first time to hug each other, hold each other’s hands, cuddle, and kiss each other. Finally, we both had the opportunity to hear each other’s heart beats.
I still remember when I got off the plane. My heart rate was off the roof. I felt my heart was ready to jump off my chest. I was nervous beyond belief, and I started to have cold feet, but I knew that there was no turning back. I did not want to go back. I wanted to move forward one step at a time and meet her. As I was waiting for my luggage at the arrival section, my mind was racing at 83797qw4957q9w4857q9w45 MPH. As I waited for her to pull on the side of the arrival section to pick me up, I was getting super excited to finally meet her, and when I finally saw her car pull in, I froze.
Almost immediately, we were drawn to each other on our initial physical contact. Despite my nervousness and “butterflies in my stomach”, I opened my arms when she came close, welcomed her in my arms, and we hugged each other for a while. At that moment, I calmed down. I knew I was finally home in her arms. That was one of the most memorable moments I shared with her, and I will never forget that day.
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| “Holding her hand” May 2011. All rights reserved. |