Courage

Recently the media has been abuzz with the latest news about another athlete Jason Collins of NBA fame to come out as a gay man. The media, loves when a athlete or celebrity comes out. Is it a scandal? Is it a fresh scoop of delicious gossip. What is amazing about this social phenomenon, is that it is not a surprise to us who happen to be GLBT. Because, we know, we are everywhere. In fact, we are more than just a mere 10% of the population. We are athletes, celebrities, teachers, politicians, parents, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, uncles, grandparents, doctors, nurses, lawyers, preachers, rabbis, priests, Christians, Muslims, jews, Buddhist, soldiers, janitors, clerks, policemen, firemen, IT professionals, CEOs, entertainers, rap artist, country artists, neighbors, regular joe's,....etc. We are not a stereotype nor rare. We are quite common and at the risk of causing panic among some of the extreme religious, we are not a threat, or agenda promoters, we simply ARE! You haven't witnessed an increase in a population explosion of gays nor have you witnessed a huge successful recruitment by gays, but you are witnessing an increase in men in women of courage, who are rising up out of the ashes of shame, and fear placed upon us by society. You are seeing your fellow human beings who are finding their voice and will be heard as they lay hold of their creator indued rights of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We will no longer remain hidden or the whispered about. We Are, we have always been, but we will not remain how we were, we will Be Seen, heard and respected! We will be Courageous. We are only a threat to prejudice, hatred, ignorance, and closed mindedness. The fact is, society has long benefitted from our contributions. It is not only we that have to come out, but society must come out of their denial and stereotypical ideas. Some of your favorite people are gay, you might not know it, or you might not care, but it is true. Don't label, prejudge or typecast us, but do get to know us, befriend us, we are some of the best people you may already know. Let us know, we can trust you with our heart and our truth. In fact, this is how we should all treat each other anyway! But to treat each other with this kind of respect also, takes Courage!