Is It Safe To Come Out?

I never intended to spend a large part of my life lying to the people I love the most-
I worked hard to keep a dark secret under wraps.
As I got older, it became harder for me to hide from myself;
I could not control my deepest thoughts and emotions.
I could no longer pretend to be someone I didn't recognize or respect.
When I released the fear and began living openly, I began to soar.
So when Instinct Magazine approached my partner Jeff and me to feature us in their April 2012 issues, I felt the most in incredible sense of pride.
It was a turning point for me- 
The article would openly acknowledge Jeff as my partner; 
both professionally with our company A Group Production and personally.
But before I could come out to the world in a magazine, it occurred to me that I was still hiding the secret from one of the closest people in my life.
Though my grandma has spent a lot of time with Jeff over the past ten years, our relationship status had never been defined or talked about. 
I know that she loves me unconditionally and Jeff too-
Yet I struggled with wether or not I should share with her one of my proudest accomplishment to date.
It would have been the first time in my life that I withheld a victory from her.
While I contemplated my dilemma, it occurred to me that this woman has shared her unconditional love and support my entire life. 
Why would this be any different?
So this week while I was at home visiting her, I decided to share our article.
As she began to read the first paragraph, a smile grew across her face-
"That's a wonderful story," were the first words out of her mouth! 
Followed quickly with a chuckle and, "...you make a pretty girl."
It was such a relief to get that validation from a woman that I love so much!
I am completely free, and not hiding anymore!

Instinct Magazine Article

I'm so excited to share a fun interview that Jeff and I did for the April 2012 issue of Instinct Magazine.
I'm especially honored to be a part of this particular issue, because it features Jason Mraz on the cover.  It's the first time Instinct has featured a straight man on the cover... More importantly, it's an issue that focuses on Equality!  Please go out and buy a copy of the April Issue of Instinct Magazine and stand up for love!