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It\u2019s Story Time\u2026

It was 1999, Toronto, and the day after I broke up with my boyfriend, my former ex from Ottawa moved in with us. This would have made the perfect backstory for a gay version of \u201cThree\u2019s Company\u201d. Only this time, two exes become friends after not speaking to each other for over a year. Within 24 hours they both suffer a break-up with their current partners, and wind up temporarily living together the day after. Can you imagine the drama?

So get comfy, pour yourself a cocktail, and listen to my humours yarn of a tale of two exes\u2026

There is something to be said for the resilience of gay men, our gay male spirit, and how we will go out of our way to support each other in times of greatest need.

I'm not suggesting this is always perfect, but there is a bond with our chosen family \u2013 that many LGBTQ people choose to support and foster \u2013 that is often much stronger than one\u2019s biological family.

The reason is simple. Many gay people have experienced rejection and shame for simply being who they are. They may have lost family, friends, a place to live, or their jobs.

In times like this, and what may seem like unforgiving despair, the only people who understand you \u2013 the best people you can turn to and lean on for support \u2013 are your gay brethren; your gay family.

When we do this as gay people, we set an example for others \u2013 for the status quo \u2013 that you can survive and thrive outside of traditional limits, norms, and restrictions. That you can live authentically and create your own family.

As I say at the end of my new book, \u201c7 Beneath-the-Skin Thoughts For Gay Men to Love Their Body.\u201d

Create your own ideals to live out the best of who you are.

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