When I came out in the spring of 1970, it was nine months after the Stonewall rebellion. Once I owned my identity as a gay man, I made sure everyone knew. I started the New Haven Gay Liberation Front, moved to NYC to work in the original Gay Liberation Front and live in a pioneering gay men’s collective, and ensure that others would not have to suffer in the closet as I did. Close to 55 years later, I’m actively working in the WA State LGBTQ Commission to safeguard our rights. Being gay is a blessing. (M/79/Gay)