Alzheimer’s does not discriminate. It reaches out to gay, straight, bi, young, old, married, single, male, female, cis, trans, black, white, brown, red, and yellow alike. — GREGORY, my husband of over 41 years, was diagnosed with DEMENTIA, most likely ALZHEIMER’S, in the 29th year of our relationship. He was 55 years old. Together, we were on the Dementia Journey for 12 years. If you are supporting someone living with dementia, it may seem overly simple, but…

Bolder than I when we were young — I wrote this eulogy for my cousin Rick who died suddenly a short while ago. He was as confident in being gay as I was not. In my youth, he intimidated me because of this unknown secret we both carried. …

The love lasts forever and forever and forever — My role in providing for our life continued To increase over time as his abilities decreased, And while it never became any easier, It did become a little more predictable. My main job became making sure Gregory Knew WHO he was and WHERE he was, That he was in the RIGHT PLACE…

Circuses have always been an important part of my life. Besides the cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, and corn dogs … I love the spectacle, the pageantry, the color, the excitement, the music, and the ability of the performers to put themselves through what seem like physical impossibilities. One year…

Because love doesn’t die, first some background, then a Miracle — Gregory and I met in 1976 at a men’s awareness group called “The Men’s Gathering.” It was a time of renewed attention to the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the United States Constitution, designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. Proponents asserted it would…

MARLA’S DEATH 2005 — What is it about death? We knew she was ill. Knew she was failing. Knew she didn’t have a lot of time left. Wished we could make it all better. So we visited and brought flowers. And little beautifully wrapped gifts. And helped her pass the time. …

The love stays with you. — We don’t MOVE ON from grief. We MOVE FORWARD with it. That which the grief reflects are not moments to leave behind? No! They are still so present that we begin to use the present tense when talking about them. They are indelible and present. …

MICHAEL’S VERSION: One Gay Man’s Creed Grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change Courage to change the things I can Wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time Enjoying each moment in its time Recognizing life is a continuum not an extreme Working towards balance in…