You may recall a time, not that long ago, in your town or a town close by, when it seemed less challenging to be a friend, supporter, ally, or advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Whether it was a family member, colleague, friend, or neighbor, you offered your support with minimal thought, if any, to unfavorable reactions by others or having your support criticized. It increasingly feels like a profile in courage or drawing a definitive line in the sand that may result in doxin

At some point, many of us will know, love, or be a Peter Pan/Petra Pan during our lifetime. As with any topic, there is a range and spectrum. Absolutes are randomly constructed and rarely reflect precise realities. This article is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, a clinical approach to the conventionally known concept of the Peter Pan Syndrome that was first introduced into pop culture in the 1980s via Dr. Dan Kiley’s book, The Peter Pan Syndrome: Men Who

I will never forget September 15, 1990. I was in my early 20s working in an office when my mother called to let me know my father passed away. As it took what seemed to be an excruciatingly long ride on the LIRR to my parents’ home, tears intermittently streamed down my face as a sea of memories flooded my mind. I was now a young adult, but I still needed my father’s presence and guidance. I consider myself very fortunate to have had a loving father in my life despite it bein

Last week, I delved deeper into the inspiration of my poem, “If We Advocate.” This week, I’ll provide insight on what inspired the next poem: “If We Value.” Both pieces were inspired by reading Dorothy Law Nolte’s prophetic poem, “Children Learn What They Live.” If we value diversity, we acknowledge the importance and necessity of different perspectives and contributions. If we value equity, we understand the need for all to have impartial access to resources and support. I

My first blog entry will explore the topic of inclusion and acknowledge the challenges of authentically navigating a world where inclusion is too often viewed as a luxury to be aspired to as time permits, or as something that is no longer necessary in the 21st century. Surprisingly—or maybe not surprisingly to those who have known me for decades—neither of those viewpoints reflects my experiences or views.