In early 2004, a few weeks before Sherrod and I were married, I wrote a column about my search for the gay couples who were trying to undermine our heterosexual marriage.
I am a long time fan since you first started writing for Plain Dealer. I am so grateful for your (and Sherrod’s) support for the LGBTQ community. I am the not only the proud mother of a successful gay man who happens to be CEO of a charitable organization but also the mother-in-law of young mother who spoke at Broadview Hts. meeting. The transgender boy you wrote about is my grandchild. Although the journey has not been easy I am grateful they are finding their own paths. My love for family includes each and everyone as God created them. I feel blessed to have them as part of our family.
Connie, thank you so much for another wonderful article. This one hit a little closer to home for me, as my daughter came out to her father and I about a year ago. While we were a bit surprised, as she had dated only males in the past, we were very supportive of her. Love is Love and my first wish for her is that she finds a wonderful companion to share life with (as I have with her father). My second wish is that we continue to make strides in this country toward acceptance. Had she lived in an earlier time, things would have been much more difficult, yet I am nervous of the current state of this nation and that it might jettison us backwards. That is why I have become much more active politically these last years, is the hope to maintain (or better) our human rights in this country, and to NOT regress. Many thanks to you and Sherrod, for all you do!
I used to work in a warehouse. I was in the shipping office for a few months on third shift. There were some kids working in the warehouse that I got to know and was warned by another employee that they were, I will just say gay. I told him that they were good employees and were fun to talk to. They never were shy around me because I was an "old white guy" because they just enjoyed talking to someone from their parents' era. I never did ask about their family and really never asked if they were gay. I never have cared for anyone from any belief that tried to force their beliefs on me. If you need to force something, force your kindness.
I’m behind in my Substack reading and only now having the chance to “catch up” by seing this piece. I’m in tears here. Tears of joy and gratitude. Big, old gal, lesbian tears. Similar to those I cry whenever I’m at a Pride parade and PFLAG marches by. For those who don’t know, they are your local chapter of “Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays” (yep, the acronym could us a little adjusting since OUR letters long ago increased to include our Bi, Trans, and other sisters and brothers, but I digress). I’ve always cried when seeing PFLAG folks. Not because my coming out half a lifetime ago wasn’t accepted by family and friends. I’m one of the lucky ones who spoke my truth and was widely embraced. I cry because there are still so many who aren’t accepted. There are young people living on the streets because they’ve been kicked out of their homes by parents who purport to love them, but not enough to allow them to truly be who they are. Worse still, there are people who’ve ended their lives because they felt unwanted and unloved by those who should have the grace to care for them: that’s what families are supposed to do, right? Your article makes me weep because it’s proof that there are so many good people in the world who couldn’t give a damn who I live with and love. They are my neighbors, my co-workers, my elected representatives, my favorite writers/journalists…so many more. I’m grateful that people like you and your lovely husband (😉) Sherrod exist, and that you stand with me, just as I stand with you. We’re here to “form a more perfect Union.” I only hope those who swear a pledge to uphold that Constitution, or who read that Bible; those who say they follow the teachings of Jesus Christ will some day have a “come to Jesus” moment and join us in simply leading lives of love and kindness.
Beautifully written. Indeed, “what would Jesus do?”. I wish all of those who hate on LBGTQ folks could be as compassionate as Christ. The hate says everything needed to know about them. No … my Christ would not behave like them.
Thank you Connie for continuing to write your columns. And thanks to Sherrod (glitter and all) and you for all your support!! I will never forget seeing you both at Cleveland’s Gay Games 9 opening ceremony. Happy Pride!
Such a hard column to read to begin with, the struggles kept coming, then it ended and I have tears in my eyes for that little boy and all like him, that he has to - and did - stand before a group of people and explain why he was ok just the way he is. I hope the hate can be washed away in time. We'll keep trying to make people understand that different is just that - different. Not bad, not fearful - just different. Thank you for all of your columns, but this one was exceptional.
I am a long time fan since you first started writing for Plain Dealer. I am so grateful for your (and Sherrod’s) support for the LGBTQ community. I am the not only the proud mother of a successful gay man who happens to be CEO of a charitable organization but also the mother-in-law of young mother who spoke at Broadview Hts. meeting. The transgender boy you wrote about is my grandchild. Although the journey has not been easy I am grateful they are finding their own paths. My love for family includes each and everyone as God created them. I feel blessed to have them as part of our family.
Keep fighting.
Connie, thank you so much for another wonderful article. This one hit a little closer to home for me, as my daughter came out to her father and I about a year ago. While we were a bit surprised, as she had dated only males in the past, we were very supportive of her. Love is Love and my first wish for her is that she finds a wonderful companion to share life with (as I have with her father). My second wish is that we continue to make strides in this country toward acceptance. Had she lived in an earlier time, things would have been much more difficult, yet I am nervous of the current state of this nation and that it might jettison us backwards. That is why I have become much more active politically these last years, is the hope to maintain (or better) our human rights in this country, and to NOT regress. Many thanks to you and Sherrod, for all you do!
I used to work in a warehouse. I was in the shipping office for a few months on third shift. There were some kids working in the warehouse that I got to know and was warned by another employee that they were, I will just say gay. I told him that they were good employees and were fun to talk to. They never were shy around me because I was an "old white guy" because they just enjoyed talking to someone from their parents' era. I never did ask about their family and really never asked if they were gay. I never have cared for anyone from any belief that tried to force their beliefs on me. If you need to force something, force your kindness.
I’m behind in my Substack reading and only now having the chance to “catch up” by seing this piece. I’m in tears here. Tears of joy and gratitude. Big, old gal, lesbian tears. Similar to those I cry whenever I’m at a Pride parade and PFLAG marches by. For those who don’t know, they are your local chapter of “Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays” (yep, the acronym could us a little adjusting since OUR letters long ago increased to include our Bi, Trans, and other sisters and brothers, but I digress). I’ve always cried when seeing PFLAG folks. Not because my coming out half a lifetime ago wasn’t accepted by family and friends. I’m one of the lucky ones who spoke my truth and was widely embraced. I cry because there are still so many who aren’t accepted. There are young people living on the streets because they’ve been kicked out of their homes by parents who purport to love them, but not enough to allow them to truly be who they are. Worse still, there are people who’ve ended their lives because they felt unwanted and unloved by those who should have the grace to care for them: that’s what families are supposed to do, right? Your article makes me weep because it’s proof that there are so many good people in the world who couldn’t give a damn who I live with and love. They are my neighbors, my co-workers, my elected representatives, my favorite writers/journalists…so many more. I’m grateful that people like you and your lovely husband (😉) Sherrod exist, and that you stand with me, just as I stand with you. We’re here to “form a more perfect Union.” I only hope those who swear a pledge to uphold that Constitution, or who read that Bible; those who say they follow the teachings of Jesus Christ will some day have a “come to Jesus” moment and join us in simply leading lives of love and kindness.
Connie, thank you.
Beautifully written. Indeed, “what would Jesus do?”. I wish all of those who hate on LBGTQ folks could be as compassionate as Christ. The hate says everything needed to know about them. No … my Christ would not behave like them.
My niece and her partner are lesbians and activists. They are some of the best humans I know.
On a long enough time line, love will always win. ❤️
👍👍 Great stack!! TY!✌️💙
Brilliant. 🙏
This is so beautiful. Hate and fear shut people down. Love opens and connects people. I will keep saying it every day: More love please!
J. Dudley Gilbert, here. Please say hello to Franklin and Walter. Although I am a puppy, I know love is love. It's pretty simple.
A beautiful, beautiful column, Connie… Thank you for all you do… ❤️
Thank you Connie for continuing to write your columns. And thanks to Sherrod (glitter and all) and you for all your support!! I will never forget seeing you both at Cleveland’s Gay Games 9 opening ceremony. Happy Pride!
Such a hard column to read to begin with, the struggles kept coming, then it ended and I have tears in my eyes for that little boy and all like him, that he has to - and did - stand before a group of people and explain why he was ok just the way he is. I hope the hate can be washed away in time. We'll keep trying to make people understand that different is just that - different. Not bad, not fearful - just different. Thank you for all of your columns, but this one was exceptional.