Thank you for telling us about Gary; for sharing his story. I am so sorry to hear that life was simply too difficult and too frightening for him to want to live in this world. By telling Gary’s story you have honored your cousin’s life and his memory.
Outstanding column, Cheryl. On so many issues, we move from ignorance and intolerance to understanding and acceptance. I'm saddened by Gary's story. I'm heartened by the federal protections signed into law this week. Too late for Gary, unfortunately. Kudos to Ernst, Hinson and Miller-Meeks for doing the right thing and following their conscience. Grassley and Feenstra are hopelessly on the wrong side of history, the wrong side of common decency.
Gary found happiness---and it was ripped away from him. i mourn all the Gary's in the history of the world and celebrate the many couples I know who are allowed this happiness...finally. Thank you, Cheryl. A hard lesson, a great love.
Thank you, Cheryl, for telling Gary’s story, sad as it is. Steve and I Came Out Publicly in 1993 to try to help stop suicidal actions. Yes you can be Gay and have a wonderful life, but it’s not easy. We had to leave Iowa because Steve’s workplace and family rejected him and I had a hard time finding work.
Thank you for sharing this story of love. I am concerned that today there are still couples who feel they are not accepted. I am grateful that a step was taken forward with increased federal protections. How sad that today that step needed to happen. We can do better and be better!
Cheryl, this is so moving. I cross-posted it in my Potluck column (with an annoying typo in my introduction, unfortunately). I think of my Aunt Ellen, a pioneer in so many ways. She was a missionary in Cuba, and I'm certain would have been an Episcopal Priest had she been born a male. Instead, she endured years in a psychiatrist's office. I don't know anything about what she really went through as her life was something we didn't talk about. Ellen was an inspiration in so many ways. I, too, think of her every time there is milestone progress for our LGBQT sisters and brothers and aunts and uncles.
Thank you, Cheryl. This is a beautiful tribute and a stark reminder that inclusion matters so much. As a person with many LGBTQIA family and friends, I am especially grateful that you shared Gary’s story.
Unfinished Business
Thank you for telling us about Gary; for sharing his story. I am so sorry to hear that life was simply too difficult and too frightening for him to want to live in this world. By telling Gary’s story you have honored your cousin’s life and his memory.
I’m just so sorry that Gary could not find happiness. I grieve with you.
Yhank you gor sharing cherl and gary with us.
Pat Knighy
Outstanding column, Cheryl. On so many issues, we move from ignorance and intolerance to understanding and acceptance. I'm saddened by Gary's story. I'm heartened by the federal protections signed into law this week. Too late for Gary, unfortunately. Kudos to Ernst, Hinson and Miller-Meeks for doing the right thing and following their conscience. Grassley and Feenstra are hopelessly on the wrong side of history, the wrong side of common decency.
Well done in honor of Gary. Thank you.
Gary found happiness---and it was ripped away from him. i mourn all the Gary's in the history of the world and celebrate the many couples I know who are allowed this happiness...finally. Thank you, Cheryl. A hard lesson, a great love.
Thanks for spreading love for all including LBTQ.
Thank you, Cheryl, for telling Gary’s story, sad as it is. Steve and I Came Out Publicly in 1993 to try to help stop suicidal actions. Yes you can be Gay and have a wonderful life, but it’s not easy. We had to leave Iowa because Steve’s workplace and family rejected him and I had a hard time finding work.
Hugs 🤗 for you
Thank you for sharing this story of love. I am concerned that today there are still couples who feel they are not accepted. I am grateful that a step was taken forward with increased federal protections. How sad that today that step needed to happen. We can do better and be better!
Thank you for sharing cheryl and Gary with us
Pat Knight
Corrected version !!!!!
Cheryl, this is so moving. I cross-posted it in my Potluck column (with an annoying typo in my introduction, unfortunately). I think of my Aunt Ellen, a pioneer in so many ways. She was a missionary in Cuba, and I'm certain would have been an Episcopal Priest had she been born a male. Instead, she endured years in a psychiatrist's office. I don't know anything about what she really went through as her life was something we didn't talk about. Ellen was an inspiration in so many ways. I, too, think of her every time there is milestone progress for our LGBQT sisters and brothers and aunts and uncles.
Thank you, Cheryl. This is a beautiful tribute and a stark reminder that inclusion matters so much. As a person with many LGBTQIA family and friends, I am especially grateful that you shared Gary’s story.