This is who I am.
I was born & raised in S.E. Kentucky into a religious family back in 1963. There were no Gay siblings or Gay family members, no Gay bars, no Gay local organizations, no Gay people that I knew of, no television programs depicting Gay people, no internet, I think by now you can see where I am going with this train of thought.
Guess what? I'm Gay! I knew I was different at a very young age and when I finally figured out that I liked boys instead of girls (sexually), I still didn't know what a homosexual was! I repressed those feeling well into my late teens (it scared the hell out of me thinking I was a freak of nature. It wasn't even into my 30's that I came out of the closet.
I know it doesn't need to be said here but I'm going to say it anyways, the next time some ignoramus tells you that People become Gay as a choice because it's being "plastered" all over the place, remember my story and tell them they are full of shit and here is just one of the reasons why.
Why on earth would anyone endure the hardships the LGBT people have gone through over eons for a choice. It just doesn't make sense.
Not sure why I felt the need to write this today, but I did and I appreciate you taking the time to read this.
Peace
William King
P.S. I specifically used my real and full name to put a name to the story.
= new reply since forum marked as read
(p.s. I've missed you from MIRT)
So, Satan got into your brain and made you gay as punishment. 
I'm sure you've heard that one before. As ridiculous as it may sound to all of us, it makes my brain ache to know that people think that way.
On a good note, I've personally seen many of my friends change their opinions over the past few years. None were what you would call 'homophobic', but just a little confused about the whole discussion. Considering that my friends are mostly Republican (not my fault...I live in the reddest city in AZ 
) I'm pretty damned proud of them. The majority are now strong supporters of same sex marriage and laws that recognize same sex partners as beneficiaries and caregivers. I had one friend of mine 'joke' "The day God makes love evil is the day I become one of you Atheist Democrats." He's pretty dumb as far as any other issue goes, though. Baby steps.
to you Mr. King.
This is for the knuckle dragger's.
I'm in S.W. Florida now, and it's pretty damn red here too (and not because of the sun).
Miami just a short commute. I miss Miami. 
You've got a good head on your shoulders, you're giving & supportive, & you were a tireless worker on the MIR team. I learned a lot from you.
I support you & the LGBT community 100%.
