GLAAD
I chose to live my truth.
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Hi there,
I’m Scott (also known as Theater Guy in the Drag Community). I want to tell you why GLAAD works tirelessly to keep our stories — our authentic stories — alive in the media.
Growing up Latter-Day Saint (AKA Mormon), I lived under many expectations. I had to be devout, maintain an approved social network, and adhere to a structured lifestyle, including my sexuality.
And so, when I realized I was gay in the late 90’s, I knew my identity conflicted with my religious teachings. And if I chose to live authentically, I risked losing my family and friends, whom I dearly loved.
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I felt so isolated and confused. But then in 2004, I read about Angels in America, a story set in New York City at the height of the AIDS crisis. It features a character named Joe Pitt — a closeted Mormon and lawyer struggling with his sexuality and faith.
I had to see it, so I checked out the DVD from my local library. And as a gay Latter-Day Saint hiding who I was, I entirely related to Joe, and I finally realized that I wasn’t alone.
But that’s not all that happened. My mother found the DVD.
When she told me she watched the DVD, I was terrified. I had no idea what she was going to do. She told me she did not want me to watch the television series, and I asked her why.
“Because I don’t like the way the mother treated her gay son. If you ever told me you were gay, I would listen.”
You see, through this series, I not only learned that there were people like me, but I gained confidence in my mom that I didn’t have before. This would be a big factor when I finally came out to her the following year.
Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience or know someone who has. And if so, I urge you to support GLAAD today. It’s a perfect time, because a generous donor will match your gift 2X, ahead of Giving Tuesday. ([link removed])
Thanks for reading, and let’s keep telling our stories. Through them, we can strengthen the LGBTQ community and foster understanding for the world around us.
Sincerely,
Scott Mena (Theater Guy)
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