YIKES

When I started this blog my hope was to have it linked to the Greater Boston PFLAG website, but as thrilled as I was when Pam called to tell me this was going to happen, the fright nearly took my breath away. Up until now my blog was read by selected friends and family so the thought of the general public reading it gave me palpitations! My self doubt was in high gear, sending every negative thought roaring through my head; luckily it was 4:00 pm, "Oprah time".

Since I'm an Oprah groupie, for me, it was unusual that I had not seen this particular show, which featured country singer Chely Wright as her guest. Miss Wright had recently come out and was on the show to promote her memoir, "Like Me". Her story is a chilling one and after I read her book it became clear to me that writing my blog is definitely what I am supposed to be doing. Chely's story is painful to read because of how difficult it was for her to be closeted during the time she was following her passion as an artist. The duality of her life proved to be almost too much for her and she was very close to committing suicide. Yes, it's a sad story but it needs to be told and told over again so LBGT men and women can be heard.

Seeing Chely Wright on Oprah that day validated my passion to speak openly and lovingly of my gay son and the rest of my gay friends and family. Dialouge is essential to understanding and eliminating the "elephant in the room". Too many men and women are hurt by ignorant speak. The more open we are with our love and support will change the thinking of our generation and generations to come.

I am happy to say this is the first of my bi-monthly blog and hope to have a guest blogger from time to time. I made this commitment to share love, wisdom and laughter, and hope to create awareness and the importance of acceptance to my readers.

It is a privilege to be linked to the Greater Boston PFLAG website and I am humbled by their acceptance. I will be posting on the 1st and 15th of each month. Please look for me.

Hugs, Barbara