new column:

"Mine’s 15+, How Long Is Yours?"

Paula Abdul was popular telling us straight up that opposites attract. And the only Idol wasn’t American at all, but rather a British Billy. We were on the verge of the Persian Gulf War for Oil while Bush the First was in office. Ellen & Rosie were still little-known stand-up comics. And not even Elton John was fully ‘Out.’

1990 was a transitional year in my life. And it officially began on March 26th of that year. This recent March 26th, I celebrated my 15th anniversary of coming out.

Think about how far we’ve come in the last 15 years. And how far we still have to go. We are becoming part of the mainstream and fighting for equal rights we never dreamed possible before. But we also have Bush II in office and a right-wing stronger than ever.

I’m purposely keeping my column short this month. Instead of reading my usual diatribe, I encourage you to reflect. Think about how long it’s been since you came out. How many years? It’s been 15 years for me, how long has it been for you? Or if you’re a straight-ally, how long has it been since the first time you met someone openly LGBT.

What changes—in your life and in society and in politics—have occurred since?

And then dream. Spend another moment imagining where we might go in the next 15 years. Where do your hopes lie in the future? What fears do you have? Where do you think our movement will head next?

Pause from reading for just a moment. Close your eyes. Reflect, dream, imagine....