"There is just one life for each of us: our own."
-Euripides
I have recently been discussing with my parents the importance for equal rights. My parents have always been very supportive of me and any partner that I have had, but I do not think they truly understand the need for everyone to be equal.
When I was a child I never thought for a million years that I could have a legitimate loving, compassionate, committed relationship with another man. Why would I? The only thing I really saw about gay men were that they often died of aids, they had flamboyant lifestyles, they went to clubs, they often did drugs, etc... The list was not a very positive one and yet I was willing to accept those fates because I knew I was gay.
As I trembled in fear in a free clinic to be tested for HIV a few days ago I made up my mind that I would do my part in our society to show gay children now that they never should settle for being a statistic. They have a bright future in this world with another person that loves them for who they are, and do not have to look for that person in every single man that comes into their life. My test results came back negative, but so often that is not the story for people. I want everyone to know that they do not have to fit into a stereotype. Will doesn't actually have to have a Grace! We, as the human race, are so diverse and that is beautiful! We have the ability to do incredible things. Someone's sexuality should never make them feel inferior to anyone else. As our world becomes more and more globally aware, we face difficult problems that cannot be alleviated without the true understanding of human equality.
When I was a child I never thought for a million years that I could have a legitimate loving, compassionate, committed relationship with another man. Why would I? The only thing I really saw about gay men were that they often died of aids, they had flamboyant lifestyles, they went to clubs, they often did drugs, etc... The list was not a very positive one and yet I was willing to accept those fates because I knew I was gay.
As I trembled in fear in a free clinic to be tested for HIV a few days ago I made up my mind that I would do my part in our society to show gay children now that they never should settle for being a statistic. They have a bright future in this world with another person that loves them for who they are, and do not have to look for that person in every single man that comes into their life. My test results came back negative, but so often that is not the story for people. I want everyone to know that they do not have to fit into a stereotype. Will doesn't actually have to have a Grace! We, as the human race, are so diverse and that is beautiful! We have the ability to do incredible things. Someone's sexuality should never make them feel inferior to anyone else. As our world becomes more and more globally aware, we face difficult problems that cannot be alleviated without the true understanding of human equality.
Writer - Cole Burden - Manhattan, New York
Illustrator - Rosa Lee - Brooklyn, New York
http://the1104studio.com/
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