National Coming Out Day

It's hard to believe that in this day and age, gay people are still being so judged against. There are so many hypocrites and mean-spirited people in the world. I don't understand the need for harboring such hatred toward anyone, especially someone who is just trying to live his/her life.
I can speak from experience, being gay is not something anyone chooses...not any more than a heterosexual chooses to be straight. Believe me, no one wants to be mocked, live in fear, contemplate ending their life, being rejected by family & friends because of who they are attracted to. Yet, some people believe this is a choice gay people make on purpose.
Do we have the choice over how we live our lives? Absolutely! We are the masters of our own destinies. Sometimes, that is easier said than done.
My wish on this day of coming out is that we as humans, brothers & sisters, parents & children, friends, co-workers, as inhabitants of this planet could learn to accept each others' differences and celebrate them. We each have something wonderful to contribute to the world.
I hope you find peace in your heart today and everyday. Believe me...it's better to be happy and find joy in your heart than to dwell and let hatred fester in it's place.

"We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do."
Mother Teresa 

"Acknowledging and accepting whatever stuff you may have to let go comes easier when you love yourself."

Darren L. Johnson