A Lesson On Tolerance
Jun. 3rd, 2009 01:12 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lupestripeYou may remember that a few months ago, I told you about a friend of mine who lost his wife through a muscular disorder back in November. Today was his birthday and I spent the day with him, visiting a few pubs and museums in the area. After all the help he had given me to beat depression a few years ago, I felt honoured that he chose me to spend his birthday with this year.
Of course, today was a sad day for him, as well as a day of celebration, as it was the first time in 32 years that he had celebrated his birthday away from his wife. Still, I think he had a good time and he told me one interesting fact - that because I am gay and was open about it, I had taught him humility towards homosexuals and those who deviate from the norm. Equally, he told me that my closest colleague had also learned a great deal from tolerating my homosexuality.
I have never been a big exponent over my sexuality yet I have never hidden from it either. Yet it is humbling to hear that I have changed the opinions of two of my closest friends simply by being who I am. I don't think I am all that special but it is clearly a confidence boost to be thought of in such ways. Meanwhile, I am proud that my friend decided to spend his birthday with me and to also have a good time with me, despite the mixed emotions that he was feeling.
P.S. Jacqui Smith has quit as Home Secretary. The most pernicious influence in this Government has now gone. Hopefully, this is the signal of good times to come, coupled with social freedoms that she fought so hard to stifle.
Of course, today was a sad day for him, as well as a day of celebration, as it was the first time in 32 years that he had celebrated his birthday away from his wife. Still, I think he had a good time and he told me one interesting fact - that because I am gay and was open about it, I had taught him humility towards homosexuals and those who deviate from the norm. Equally, he told me that my closest colleague had also learned a great deal from tolerating my homosexuality.
I have never been a big exponent over my sexuality yet I have never hidden from it either. Yet it is humbling to hear that I have changed the opinions of two of my closest friends simply by being who I am. I don't think I am all that special but it is clearly a confidence boost to be thought of in such ways. Meanwhile, I am proud that my friend decided to spend his birthday with me and to also have a good time with me, despite the mixed emotions that he was feeling.
P.S. Jacqui Smith has quit as Home Secretary. The most pernicious influence in this Government has now gone. Hopefully, this is the signal of good times to come, coupled with social freedoms that she fought so hard to stifle.
