I’ve always liked the style and manner in which you reported the news. Congratulations for your “transparency”. Whatever consequences that may lie ahead for you, please know that you are serving as a wonderful role model, not only for black youths, but also for all others as well. In cases like this, one need not make any reference to the nature of your human diversity; but instead simply thank and embrace you for being the best that you can be. My wife Jane and I lost all of our three sons; one to murder and two to HIV/AIDS. Should you be interested, you can google us and our non-profit organization Honor Thy Children, Inc. to further understand why I am commenting about your critical and most significant decision regarding your decision about your orientation; as it will truly save lives. Perhaps one day, our paths will cross and I and Jane will have the honor of “hugging” you in appreciation.

Al Nakatani, President
Honor Thy Children, Inc.

I have lived my whole life being laughed at and talked about within the black community back in Muncie, In where I grew up. After college, I moved to South Florida to live my life and only went home to see my mom until she died several years ago. While I miss here very much, it is a relief to not to go back there and see the stares and hear the whispers when I would accompany my mother around town or to church on Sunday. Even on her death bed, she told my sister-in-law that she loved me, but that they should continue to pray for my salvation, because I was gay.

It would break my mother’s heart to hear me say this, but her love was conditional and very different than the love she showered on my straight brother. The truth is that I could not find comfort in my community, or in my own mother’s home… And then, I had to go out and face this country as a black man…. I often laugh and tell people that I have battled with my weight most of my life, I am black man and I am gay, and yet I have never killed anybody… I may be the strongest person that I know!