photo by Kevin Truong
Tym, in his own words: “I grew up never hearing the words Gay or Homosexual. I had no idea what they meant. We had no Will and Grace on TV or an LGBT center. I had no idea anyone else in the world felt the way I did. I thought I was insane.
Growing up in a religious family, I also felt for most of my life that I was damned to hell. So what did it matter? The things that brought me pleasure in my life was looked down upon by family and society in general.
I felt like a total outcast. I learned to survived by trying to fit in. Even though it didn’t feel natural. I dated girls in school, had sex with them all because I tried to do what my mind told me I was supposed to do. I spent the first 1/2 of my life in my head. I became a raging drug addict and alcoholic. I partied hard for 20 years! I didn’t care if I lived or died and almost did several times. What did it matter? I was doomed to hell anyway…
Now, I have changed my whole way of Being around. I live from my Heart. I do what I truly want to do and what brings me joy. I stopped the mind altering substances, after 30 yrs of smoking I stopped that too. I have been working tirelessly on my Mind and Soul and have just begun on my Body.. Soon I’ll have the Mind, Body and Soul in alignment. I’ve learned to Love myself for the first time in my life. I’ve learned that it’s ok for me to be happy! I’m loving life the first time and I’m having a ball!!!
I also feel the younger generation has no appreciation or understanding of what we had to endure so that they can live freely.
I’ve had more challenges just for being gay than I can even remember. I’ve been spit on, refused entry, molested,taken advantage of in severe ways, kicked out of places, knives at my throat, guns at my head, etc etc… All just for being different.. and those are just the ones that came to me off the top of my head. There was so much mental and emotional abuse, self hatred. I remember thinking why wasn’t I like everyone else. What’s wrong with me??
Its taken me 50 years to realize that there’s nothing wrong with me. Quite the opposite! I’m exceptional!! I would almost care to bet that most people could not have endured much of what I’ve been through in my life. That’s why I’m happy most of the time. I’ve been through so much pain that I’m grateful for all the Joy and Love and Happiness that I can genuinely create in my Life now!! No room for sadness anymore…. Now, if something doesn’t bring me Joy, I don’t have time for it! I’m finally enjoying MY Life!!!
photo by Kevin Truong
photo by Kevin Truong
How much fun is Tym! Love the rainbow at his feet in the last one!
How amazing!!! What a sweet man and love those pics…especially the last one!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE it.. You are just wonderful TYM!
My dear, sweet, wonderful friend of many, many years. . . I love you!
TYM you were always a good friend in school, I just wish You could have opened up to some of your GIRLfriends I think most of us would have still loved you the way you were,I had a cousin that was gay,too, and never looked down on him, but sadly He didnt adjust as well as you have and he commited suicide. It was just so sad, but I am glad you are living your life to its fullest now! I love you like a brother and always will! Just wish I could see you more, but at least we have FB to converse my friend! Love you! Susie”Green” Hopkins
Oh, Thank you so much everyone for the wonderful comments.. Love you all!!
Tym
Tym, you’re the best. Congratulations. LOVE the pictures!
Tym my friend I alway’s had my suspision’s in high school but never said anything. You could have talked to me about anything. I too came from a religious family and always felt like the black sheep. As the mother of a gay man I thank you for paving the way for the younger generation. Love you alway’s Cindi Shaver