I see a lot of memes and posts about how being "authentic" is a good branding strategy or can make you more successful, which is total bs. Really being our vulnerable, true selves takes a lot of courage and can lead to a lot of disappointment and heartache but it is still the only meaningful way to live. I think you embody that for people and there is tremendous value in that. Keep being you.
Oh Orlando. The tears have come again. I loved Shane so much. He really was pure light and joy during those years; at least on the outside. These last few weeks I’ve been hoping that he felt whole in his heart too. If not back then, hopefully now. My family have known Shane’s for forever and we are all thankful for knowing what a light he was. Also I’m so sorry you had to have hate crimes against you in math as if the teacher wasn’t bad enough. High school was the worst. People like you and Shane brought so much fun and laughter to lighten the angst and anxiety. Thank you for your essay. ❤️
As a gay person who grew up in the Central Valley near Stockton, I feel this very closely. There were a few people in my life that showed the joy that you described Shane to have and helped me see some light in what felt like a very dark place. Whenever I go back to visit my family, who are very supportive and differ from the majority in their area in terms of political leanings, I try to own my gayness as much as possible in public so that if one kid sees me be confident and joyful in my gay life that they might see some light too. Thank you for sharing this story and thank you to Shane and all the others that are candles in the dark tunnels for us all.
Beautiful. I’m grateful to you for your stories. I’ll be sharing this one with my two teenagers, especially since we live in a ‘red’ part of California. The ‘inexplicable southern accent among people who’ve never left the west coast’ is very real here.
Such a wonderful tribute to Shane and a reminder to all to thank those who provided a light for us and to light the way for others. Orlando, though, I have to say that it pains me to read your negative self talk about your life these last 3 years. You have done amazing things with your creative talent and with connecting with a bunch of strangers on the internet, who find joy and inspiration in your posts. My wish for you is to be kinder to yourself and give yourself credit for how much you have accomplished these past few years and how you've slayed heartache and show cancellation and blizzards and home ownership rollercoaster and, and, and.....................................
I'm so sorry for your loss. I think we all need this reminder - that life is finite and we need to live like it is, no matter how hard it can be to face reality. Let's honor those lost by sharing our appreciation for those still with us. 🤍
I’m sorry for the loss of a pivotal person. Thank you so much for all your writing. This brought me to tears. You honesty and vulnerability have frequently encouraged my own self reflection into those difficult teenage times, so I am very grateful.
With World Pride just finishing in Australia today, this was a timely read (yep, I just read it).
I'm a Cis female and I've worked and lived with LBTQIA+ folk, since I was 20.
I am so grateful for my experiences and all I've learned from and with these amazing, good humans.
These are the most authentic, real, no bullshit people ever!
You are too! 💓 Bless Satie.🐾
Orlando, fiiinally, your TV show is on in Australia and #You.Are.A.Joy!
Your authenticity shines through and I feel privileged to be able to watch you work your magic, for real.
Mmwwaahh! Rusty 🥰
I see a lot of memes and posts about how being "authentic" is a good branding strategy or can make you more successful, which is total bs. Really being our vulnerable, true selves takes a lot of courage and can lead to a lot of disappointment and heartache but it is still the only meaningful way to live. I think you embody that for people and there is tremendous value in that. Keep being you.
Oh Orlando. The tears have come again. I loved Shane so much. He really was pure light and joy during those years; at least on the outside. These last few weeks I’ve been hoping that he felt whole in his heart too. If not back then, hopefully now. My family have known Shane’s for forever and we are all thankful for knowing what a light he was. Also I’m so sorry you had to have hate crimes against you in math as if the teacher wasn’t bad enough. High school was the worst. People like you and Shane brought so much fun and laughter to lighten the angst and anxiety. Thank you for your essay. ❤️
As a gay person who grew up in the Central Valley near Stockton, I feel this very closely. There were a few people in my life that showed the joy that you described Shane to have and helped me see some light in what felt like a very dark place. Whenever I go back to visit my family, who are very supportive and differ from the majority in their area in terms of political leanings, I try to own my gayness as much as possible in public so that if one kid sees me be confident and joyful in my gay life that they might see some light too. Thank you for sharing this story and thank you to Shane and all the others that are candles in the dark tunnels for us all.
Tears
Beautiful. I’m grateful to you for your stories. I’ll be sharing this one with my two teenagers, especially since we live in a ‘red’ part of California. The ‘inexplicable southern accent among people who’ve never left the west coast’ is very real here.
Such a wonderful tribute to Shane and a reminder to all to thank those who provided a light for us and to light the way for others. Orlando, though, I have to say that it pains me to read your negative self talk about your life these last 3 years. You have done amazing things with your creative talent and with connecting with a bunch of strangers on the internet, who find joy and inspiration in your posts. My wish for you is to be kinder to yourself and give yourself credit for how much you have accomplished these past few years and how you've slayed heartache and show cancellation and blizzards and home ownership rollercoaster and, and, and.....................................
What a beautiful tribute to "Shane". My hope is that during his life, he was able to be his true self and was supported.
This is truly beautiful. And reminds me of a book that a friend wrote after a similar epiphany. Maybe you'd enjoy it https://www.amazon.com/Want-Thank-You-Gratitude-Disconnected/dp/0593189620/ref=sr_1_2?crid=DYTWOI0WL88L&keywords=gina+hamadey&qid=1678147151&sprefix=gina+hamadey%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-2
I'm so sorry for your loss. And I'm so sorry you were ever made to feel less than for what you beautifully and authentically are.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I think we all need this reminder - that life is finite and we need to live like it is, no matter how hard it can be to face reality. Let's honor those lost by sharing our appreciation for those still with us. 🤍
I’m sorry for the loss of a pivotal person. Thank you so much for all your writing. This brought me to tears. You honesty and vulnerability have frequently encouraged my own self reflection into those difficult teenage times, so I am very grateful.
What a really thoughtful, meaningful post.
This is beautiful
Beautiful
What a really thoughtful, meaningful post.