Let Your Rainbows Shine!

I remember growing up in a small tobacco town in Eastern NC and how terrified I was of someone finding out I was a gay. There were times when I felt so alone and isolated. Was something wrong with me? Were there others like me?


On television, I remember hearing Anita Bryant declare how bad homosexuals were. Homosexuals will burn in hell. I remember asking my mom, “Do gay people really go to hell?” She replied irritably, “Why do you ask?” I quickly changed the subject and never asked again.


One of my first exposures to the “gay lifestyle” was watching the television show, “SOAP”, with Billy Crystal as the flamboyant Jodie Dallas. But, he dressed in his Mom’s clothes and wanted to have a sex change operation. Hold it right there! I didn’t want to be a girl! Didn’t have a female trapped in my body. I just liked looking at men with hairy chest!! This added to my confusion.


One day a friend of mine started talking with me. We talked about things, gay things. We even explored things with each other. Oh my god! I wasn’t by myself! There was, at least, one more like me. I wasn’t by myself. I had a friend that had the same urges as me.


Looking back, I realize how blessed I was to have a friend that was like me. I had someone I could share my feelings and questions. Everyone is not that lucky. And back then no one “advertised”.


Yes! We all should show our PRIDE! And not just one time a year at a festival. Let our PRIDE shine everyday of every year! There may be a young boy or girl that is feeling alone and isolated until they see a friend wearing a rainbow bracelet or button. Don’t be ashamed of who you are! God makes no mistakes. Let your rainbows shine!


Rusty Sutton is the owner of an alternative family store in Raleigh, NC called “The Green Monkey”. You are invited to learn more about The Green Monkey at http://www.thegreenmonkeyonline.com