One year later I couldn’t even imagine going back to being in the closet. It was such a liberating feeling. My family was accepting, my friends were accepting, and I think that the country has become more accepting. Every few weeks there are news stories about other states lifting gay marriage bans. It is really an amazing time to be living in for people in the community.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbWDNM0wuAc[/youtube]

I can’t say that everything the past year was easy, but I’ve been a happier and healthier person. I used to experience severe fits of depression, and they are very few and far between now, and less severe. I’m still keeping the weight off which I lost last year. I am just healthier than I’ve ever been in most of my life, mentally and physically. 

I still haven’t found a relationship or a really close friend, but I think I am becoming better friends with the ones I have, and I dated someone for the first time in over 7 years. I’m sure happiness and love will come in time, until then just ignore my rants on Twiter about love not existing.

If you are thinking about coming out…do so. It will be one of the best things you could ever do. I haven’t regretted doing it for a moment. 

Read my coming out post here.

The title of this post comes from the late Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, spoken back in the 70′s and those words stand true nearly 30 years later. As many of you know Proposition 8, which defines marriage between a man and a woman in California passed a week ago. There have been a number of protests in the San Francisco area, as well as other parts of the state, but there is a National Protest this Saturday in EVERY state in the US. Check this site to find out where the protests are happening in your area. Get involved, this isn’t about gay/straight, it is about basic human rights. 

Also, if you haven’t seen it, watch this Special Comment from Keith Olberman on MSNBC on the Prop 8 issue. It is very touching and has brought a tear to many eyes.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChanTFSmqao[/youtube]

“I know that you cannot live on hope alone, but without it, life is not worth living. And You… And You… And You… Gotta give em hope.” – Harvey Milk

Also, be sure to see Milk on November 26th, which tells the story of Harvey Milk in the neighborhood I call home, The Castro, in San Francisco, California.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW0lQrWn5VI[/youtube]