COVID has completely interrupted and transformed the way and idea of life as we once knew it. Medical personnel and the mass media continue to reinforce the practice of isolation to decrease the spread of the virus.
Once upon a time not long ago, there were gays who desperately wanted to live in their truth but struggled with the idea of revealing their homosexuality to their family out of fear and ramifications of being exiled, disowned. A small percentage of those convinced themselves that they weren’t strong enough to open the door and take a step out of that closet. These are the ones who probably watch the news and listen to the radio with their families, agonizing over the news reports that anticipate a coronavirus vaccination to hit the market sometime in late 2021, while strongly recommending that we quarantine until spring of next year. Imagine being stationary and living in misery & torment for months at a time, while trying to dodge a virus that will probably kill you faster than the 3-letter acronym virus that’s usually associated with the death of gay person.
The larger percentage actually had the courage to come out to their families earlier this year. A few days later, they were couch hopping and eventually ended up on the streets because the homeless shelters were trying to balance overcrowding and social distancing. Some of them tried to return to their homes, but the damage was already done. Sometimes, homophobia eclipses love and understanding, depending on who is under your roof. These are the kids who felt that being transparent with their parents would produce an uncomfortable conversation, at most. Maybe a heavy argument but certainly not to be discarded as if their life has no value.
So, here we are. Weighing the strength that gave us the bravery to commit to honoring who we are by sharing the most sacred part of us with the ones who gave us life. Testing our survival skills in the middle of a pandemic. Struggling with depression and compromised mental health. Low or no money to buy food or a facial mask. Running out of bridges to find shelter. Gauging gyms for showers. All of this while trying to elude the coronavirus and avoid reminders by mainstream media that highlights statewide shutdowns and mandatory isolation.
Where do we go when we have nowhere to go?
Be thankful. Tell someone you love them and mean it when you say it. Help someone. Give, instead of take.
-kp
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