After reading your article regarding the “DAY OF SILENCE”, which took place on April 25, in Glendale, I thought that it was very interesting, and quite true to what I read.

I was born in Italy in 1964 in a small town on the (EAST) Adriatic Sea side, and came to the US in 1966 because of adoption.

Growing up as a young GAY person, I always had to hide my sexuality from everone, because of the constant teasing and bulling from my fellow students at the schools that I attended over the years. It took a long time to be able to come out to my family and friends, so I know what these young kids go through, and it’s a damn shame. However during my time, it was much more difficult to live with compaired to how it is today. I feel that the general population has become more tolerant than when I was growing up. But even today, in countries that see homosexuality as a threat, a sickness, or whatever the case may be, it’s not accepted for the fears that have been placed on the word of Gay, Queer, or Homosexual etc.etc. For example, as we know, there are a countless number of homosexuals that live in societies that live a good life. They don’t bother anybody, they don’t steal, commit crimes, and contribute to life. But because they are classified as Homosexuals or whathave you, they can be looked down upon and get treated unfairly by those that see them as a threat, and then they get delt with my those that think killing a homosexual is the solution to getting rid of those that are different.

I have a good set of close friends that are from Yerevan, Armenia and they have known about me since about 3 or more years ago. We get along fantasticly and the key to the way were are with one another, is all about respect for each other. One of my friends is an “ahpe” to me and he is straight. He lives with me in my 2 bedroom condo and he knows that I’ll never make the
“move” on him for there is that level of trust.

For these youngsters that are “in the closet” I know that it’s not easy. But in time as they get older, living as a gay person will become easier and possitive things could happen for them.

Someday, I would love to see many people come together and see that there is a beauty in everyone that needs to be shared. Just because there are those that are different in many eyes, they are just the same as everyone else, and capable of sharing love and compasion for one another.

I have been in the US Military, and have worked for the past 19 years in the American Red Cross helping to save countless numbers of lives everyday while on the job. I have kept my life constructive and it’s not been destructive in anyway. And as a gay male, I am normal as the next persons near or around me. There are things that I do regret, and unfortunately its too late to change what I can’t change to make it better. But I live with it and it’s not hurting anyone in anyway. As we say, “THAT”S LIFE”.

I would also like to let these young people know that they should be proud of who they are, no matter what anybody says or does. And I support them!!!

Thank you.