Opinions are like nipples, everyone has at least one…Sometimes even THREE! In saying that, this is mine..expressed in my own random and somewhat abstract train of thought yet never the less unique and warranted for the simple fact – we all have a voice to be heard whether you necessarily agree with ones beliefs or not.
Respect, tolerance and freedom of speech: these three simple things to me are what embody the spirit of the community whether it be gay, straight, ethnic, old or young exercised and utilised in a non discriminative fashion. I know this because I too am a hard working law abiding citizen who just so happens to be a gay man and like Armani.
I am one out of four kids, third in line to be exact and first generation Australian. Sheesh like being a mo’ wasn’t enough. I am 29 years of age and single through personal choice of my own. Unlike my married siblings and other extended family members, I knew at a much younger age that a pigeon pair picket fence life was not for me… perhaps this dawned on me whilst twirling in a skirt my grandmother had purchased for me at an op shop to The Sound of Music’s ‘The hills are alive’ when I was five. Different strokes for different folks if you will. However though we have chosen different lifestyles, I respect & love my family and I’m confidant the feeling is reciprocated.
Coming out for me in a Spanish catholic upbringing was awkward at the time to say the least as no-one before me in my family had ever done so. For this I consider myself a pioneer per-say to the gay community and showed balls of steel doing it… still do to this day in fact. Controversy, heartache, and at some points conflict were embroiled in this. Yet good company, big hearts, kindness, MANY tequila sunrises along with amazing love and support from friends helped me pave my yellow brick road to self assurance, courage and confidence in who I am today.
I believe everybody in their own way embodies the spirit of the community, even less than desirable members of society pose caution and awareness to one of us at one point or another, though usually are reprimanded and rehabilitated for the hate and darkness the harbor festering within themselves, compromising peace and tranquility within everybody’s utopia. These members of the community are but a minority. Truth be told the majority of people who live amongst you and I are decent, caring, cool cats who believe in letting bygones be bygones.
In closing, I am proud to be who I am and the values I portray within the community I am apart of, and grateful for what the spirit of the community has done for me, and continues to do on one of the most beautiful corners of this earth. Embrace diversity, seek something new to learn but all the while do it with Respect, Tolerance, and freedom of speech. Peace out.
Peter De La Serna
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