And I draw upon your strength and your support, and ways that you will never know.

And I’m here today because I am gay

And because...

And because

maybe I can make a difference

To help others have an easier and more hopeful time

Regardless, for me, I feel a personal obligation and a social responsibility

I also do it selfishly

Because I'm tired of hiding

And I'm tired of lying by omission

I suffered for years because I was scared to be out

My spirit suffered,

my mental health suffered

and my relationships suffered

And I’m standing here today, with all of you, on the other side of that pain