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Opening the closet door is something that we all must face at some point. For some of us who enjoy a more accepting environment perhaps and more difficult for those who live in a world that can exact a dear price for being “outside the norm.” Indeed, in some parts of the world, that price can still mean the ultimate sacrifice…Life itself… As sadly witnessed by horrifying images of our LGBT brothers and sisters being casually tossed from atop buildings.
Though an extreme example and one that may seem an isolated
event, it illustrates a deeply poignant reality for some in the LGBT community. The idea that though we have come far, there is still a pall of darkness behind many a closed closet door and an immense amount of work still to be done in the pursuit of basic human dignity. The dichotomy of it all? Having the concept of “telling the truth” drummed into our heads, indeed, from our earliest moments as
sentient human beings; “The truth shall set you free…” and all that. Rejection and isolation can still be a painful price paid by far to
many an LGBT person and for that reason, telling our stories to the wider world is as important now as it has ever been.
If truth is the price we pay living in the light, then we have to pay it. Coming out in the country world can have its price and was one
born heavily by Chely Wright, one of the first to do so in the genre. It was challenging at best and career stunting at worst. But, as she expressed powerfully, her reasons for doing so were based in a deep concern about bullying and hate crimes toward gays, particularly gay teenagers and the damage being closeted caused to her life by “lying and hiding.” She bravely, eloquently and gracefully blazed the trail, making way for others who would soon follow her lead: People like Ty Herndon, Billy Gilman, Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally and most recently, CMT Radio personality Cody Alan.
Two of them share their powerful journey in the following pages:
Ty Herndon who first told his story toThe Rage Monthly in 2015 and now shares his perspective as an out “elder.” Next, Cody Alan, just freshly out of the closet and learning how sweet the light of day can feel.
KICKING IN DOORS BREAKING
DOWN WALLS by joel martens
APRIL 2017 | RAGE monthly 31
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