Eddie

Eddie, age 5

Pomona, California (1961)

Looking back now, I realize that I knew I was different, when I was 5 years old.

At age 7, I didn't yet understand all the mechanics of it, but I knew I was attracted to men and that was a bad thing. It was a grievous sin. It was such a horrible sin and I felt so guilty, I couldn't even tell the priest in the darkness of the Confessional.  

At age 13, I was "glued" to the TV watching Lou Christie sing "I'm Gonna Make You Mine," without a shirt. That is STILL one of my favorite songs. 

But I was so scared. I didn't want to admit to the world who I was. But when I crossed the "coming out" bridge at age 23, the heavens opened, poured gold glitter all over me, and I heard God's voice say: "Welcome to Oz." 

I am so glad I was born a gay man. 
And I have never, ever regretted my decision to be out.

If I hadn't been born this way, I would have been eager to have other gay men "convert" me. 

So to quote Gloria Gaynor... 

"Life ain't worth a damn 
Until you can say, 
I AM WHAT I AM!"

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