GenQ - For the not so straight individual

The following is based on a true life experience which aims to show how one person can have so much influence over many and also how this man has proved that you too can triumph in many situations. Read on to find out more....

This is not so much an article of information as it is a little true story I though I would share with you all. This adds to some of the articles I have written in the past and is another way I would like to show people out there that being homosexual is not to be feared (whether you think you are homosexual and are scared to do anything about it or know someone who is).

I went to a private catholic high school in Melbourne. In my senior years I had a lovely bloke who can only be described as a complete gentleman for my English classes. He was one of the few teachers I have ever had in all of my school years who had my complete respect. He was great to talk to, an excellent teacher as well as a man of class and honor. He was more than happy to stay back during lunch breaks and after school to help those who were struggling. He was a teacher because it was his passion.

Needless to say I got fairly good marks in English class and the things he got us to do inspired me in many different things later in life (one of them is what is right in front of you now, yes, being a writer). He showed us all that no matter who you were or what you had done in the past everyone deserved to be treated with respect and we all knew we made him put up with a lot of crap! He knew that as soon as you stop showing some respect to those around you, you instantly loose any possibility of making a connection with them.

Despite all he did for people, despite what he gave to his students, many still ridiculed him for being GAY. You could tell that this issue sometimes caused hurt for him (some very nasty thing were said behind his back and sometimes within his earshot).

This is the first person who showed me that you could be homosexual and someone great at the same time. This was during a period when I was in heavy denial about my own sexuality and even though the subject was never ever spoken about, I still learned a tremendous amount from him.

This is a man who shall forever have a place in my heart because he is a fine example of how someone can constantly beat adversity and follow his dreams and become someone who can achieve great things. He is a man who stands tall amongst men yet never neglects those around him.

To this great man,

Thankyou

If any readers have their own personal stories they would like to contribute please feel free to email them to rodgenq@generationq.net