Thursday, May 17, 2012

Hop Against Homophobia Blog Tour


On May 17th thru the 20th there are over 240 authors, reviewers and publishers participating in Hop Against Homophobia blog hop. The purpose of this blog hop is to bring homophobic discrimination to an end and talk about this topic and give away some prizes on our blogs. When I first heard about this blog hop, I immediately contacted one of the founders of the blog hop, Erica Pike, and asked to be part of it. To be part of this blog hop we must talk about what homophobic discrimination we have witnesses first hand and how things have changed or how it's changed us.

I was born in 1969, so as a teenager of the 80's I have to point out that things were a lot different then. As a naive girl from Little Rock, at sixteen, I really didn't understand what homosexuality was. Yes, I heard some fellow classmates call certain boys in school 'Fag' or 'Homo' but I never really put much thought into it. I admit High School was a difficult time for a quiet, overweight girl like me, so I usually kept to myself and my small circle of friends I hung around.

At the beginning of my junior year I met this short, blond male named, Todd, and I was immediately captivated by him. He was sweet and funny and when he started paying attention to me, I was both shocked and thrilled that he noticed me at all. As time went by, Todd and I started dating and I was introduced to his friends from his neighborhood. There were three males he hung around, and all three of them were interesting, cute and they all loved Madonna (yes, I was a Madonna fanatic) so we all hit it off immediately. Since Todd and I were always together, we were also with his friends every weekend. When I think back on these times, I remember feeling accepted and loved by my new group of friends more than I had ever felt before. These boys made me feel safe, loved and important and there wasn't anything I wouldn't have done for them.

After Todd and I dated for two years, he asked me to marry him. Of course, since my dream was to have many children and a good life with Todd, I said yes. We were happy...at least I thought we were, but soon after he proposed, Todd started becoming more aloof and I could tell there was something going on with him. I became very troubled by his behavior and although I kept asking him over and over what was wrong, he kept reassuring me that everything was alright, so I tried to chalk up his strange behavior as having a case of the cold feet and went on. This went on for several weeks until finally I couldn't ignore Todd's aloofness any more.  One night, I sat down with him and pleaded for him to tell me what was up. After several minutes of me begging and trying to coax him into talking, Todd jumped up and ran into his room and locked the door. I was frantic because I could hear him sobbing from the other side and since I couldn't get to him, I was afraid he might do something drastic or hurt himself.

Finally, after what seemed like hours I managed to get him to open the door and let me in. I'll never forget how devastated he looked and how much he literally shook all over as he grabbed my hand and led me to his bed and sat down beside me. As he held my hands he quietly told me that he loved me and would always love me, but there was no way he could ever marry me. Confused and hurt, my mind raced with questions and reasons why he didn't want to marry me...was I not pretty enough? Was I too demanding? Was I not smart enough? Was I not funny enough? After I questioned him about these things, he just shook his head and sobbed. After a long silence he finally looked at me and told me that although he loved me, it unfortunately wasn't enough because he was gay.

He told me he had been going to a local park and hooking up with other men like him, and that he realized that no matter how much he loved me, it would never be enough. He wanted to be who he was and not live a lie. He wanted to be free to explore these homosexual feelings even though he knew he would lose me and our dreams of having a family in the process. To say the least, I was both hurt and flabbergasted by his confession. I remember all I could think about was that I possibly did something to make him gay and I didn't know what to do to change it or Todd's mind so that everything would go back to the way it was before.

We sat there for HOURS talking. I cried, he cried. I yelled, he stayed patient. I begged for him to ignore these feelings and to fight to be with me, but Todd stayed firm. He asked me to still be in his life as his friend and to support him during this time of his life. I remember storming out of his house, thinking that I would never get over the pain I felt and being angry at anything to do with homosexuality. I was bitter, hurt and embarrassed. It took me several weeks to come to terms with both my break-up with Todd and what it really meant for Todd to live as a homosexual male.

After much persistence from Todd, I agreed to meet him alone again. But when I went to his house we were not alone. I was met with all of his friends, who were now my friends, and one by one they all told me they were gay. I felt numb and I didn't understand how ALL of my male friends could end up gay. I remember crying and asking them what I had done wrong? Why were they this way?

Each and every one of them told me they were born this way. They had always been attracted to other males, but were afraid to be honest about it to their friends and family. They had made a pact that they were no longer going to hide their sexuality and live the life they wanted to live. After hours of talking, I began to understand that it wasn't something they chose, but who they were. They were no different than I was, they were just attracted to men instead of women. As I sat with them, the bitterness and resentment I felt for Todd and homosexuality in general started to ease. When I left that afternoon, I had a better understanding of homosexuality and although I was still confused and hurt, I vowed to do what I could to stand by my friends and former boyfriend the best I could.

Through the years, I've watched those friends become successful individuals. Todd has been in a happily committed relationship for years, as well as my other friends. Todd and his partner are foster parents and open their homes to children in need. I've watched him grow from a confused and sad boy to a happy and contented man. It's because of Todd and our friends that I've learned that love is love, regardless of gender or race. I've watched them strive to overcome obstacles that many of my straight friends, me included, take to granted, but they've never given up on being true to themselves and fighting for their right for equality. Through all of my ups and downs, my four friends have supported me. When I told them I was writing a M/M book, they were the first to encourage me and they are some of my biggest fans. Now, their fight for equality has become my fight, too. I love them dearly and I will always be thankful to each and every one of them. It's because of them that I began to understand that love has no boundaries, and it's because of them I'm a better person today. So I want to thank Todd and my three other friends. I love you!

As part of the fight against homophobia, I'm giving away a copy of any of my books to three lucky winners. All you have to do to enter the contest is either leave a comment below or you can shoot me an email at andianderson@live.com with the word contest in the subject line and you'll be entered.

Thanks for visiting my blog:)








130 comments:

  1. I have all you wonderful books, so good luck to whoever does win them as they won't be disappointed. And thank you for your story, you are amazing. I am happy that you came out of it with a better understanding.

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  2. What a hard story to share, and incredible you were able to more out of it besides bitterness.

    cojazzchick AT yahoo DOT com

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    1. It's the first time I've really talked about it outside of my family and friends. Thank you for the compliment. I really appreciate it. It was tough going through it, but in the end it was worth it. I learned so much from it and it's really changed my life for the better.

      Thanks for entering the contest:)

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  3. You've brought tears to my eyes this morning, but I'm so grateful that you had those wonderful friends,and that you stood by them. I'm sure that others out there have similar stories that may not have ended so well. Hugs.

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  4. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story!
    I have a best friend who is gay. Sometimes its hard for him when he's around his family, most of them won't even acknowledge his sexuality. And like your Todd, he was in a relationship with are other best friend, lying to everyone about being straight.
    We had many fights about how he wasn't being fair to her by lying & cheating on her with other men.
    He finally came out & realized that we would love him no matter what.

    Thank you again for sharing your story!!
    Meka
    mekaga85@gmail.com

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    1. When Todd came out it he had a very difficult time. His parents are very religious and so it took a long time for them to accept it. Plus, they did love me and it was hard for them to lose that dream too. It takes time and sometimes it hurts so much, but it was worth it. Everything worked out as it should. I'm very happy for your friend. How brave of him to decide to live his life and love who he wants. Thanks for sharing, Meka:)

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  5. What a touching post! I too am a child of the 80s, born in 1969. I remember when news articles and the paranoia about AIDS first swept the US and the horrible jokes people would make about the "gay cancer." I didn't understand it then, and I don't understand it now. As a teenager, homophobia made me uncomfortable and confused, as a parent and grandparent now, it just makes me furious. Thank you so much for participating and sharing this deeply personal story.

    laynefaire@aol.com

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    1. Those were horrible times, Layne. The AIDS epidemic scared people and made them even more judgmental towards homosexuals back then.(which was ridiculous) I remember when people thought you could get AIDS by a simple touch or kiss. It's so good that we are all evolving and becoming a more open-minded people. We still have a long way to go, but we're getting there.
      Thank you for sharing with me. That means a lot.
      *Hugs*

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  6. Great story, Andi :^) Thank you for sharing it with us

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  7. This is great Andi and you guys are lucky to have each other.

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  8. thats the most beautiful story of love and understanding ive ever heard im glad you have friends like that and you learned and grew for it ty for sharing ur story

    mortalsinn(at)yahoo.com

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    1. Thank you, SiNn. It wasn't easy for either of us. We definitely went through Hell and back, but both came out the better person for it. Todd and our friends taught me a lot. Live, Learn and love...right?

      Thanks for commenting and entering the contest!

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  9. Thank you for sharing your story with us. We all want love, happiness and acceptance and your friend Todd was lucky to have found you at such a vulnerable age.
    Thank you for all you do.
    Yvette
    yratpatrol@aol.com

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    1. Thank you, Yvette. I think we were both lucky. I appreciate your comment...it really means a lot:)
      *hugs*

      Thanks for entering the contest too!

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  10. It was a touching story.

    contact at mchoule dot com

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    1. Thank you, M-C:)

      Thanks for visiting my blog, commenting and entering the contest.

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  11. How important to have such lovely friends and I'm glad it worked out for you!

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  12. Thanks for sharing your story. I am having a lot of fun reading all the stories and experiences in this blog hop.

    andreagrendahl AT gmail DOT com

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    1. Thank you for taking the time and reading it. Have a great day:)

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  13. That's a very touching story and I'm glad you are still friends, not all people could do that but I think your ex-fiance war very brave to tell you before the marriage and I'm glad it worked out for you both!

    emiliana25ATwebDOTde

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    1. I'm glad we're still friends too. It was a difficult time for all of us, and there were many dark days for all of us, but we made it through it and things worked out as they should.
      Thank you for visiting my blog:)

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  14. I wish I had gay friends growing up! Thanks for sharing, Andi. I'm glad things have worked out well for all of you, and sticking together would be so more rewarding even though you had to go through pain to get there.

    pennybrandon@hotmail.com

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    1. I totally agree, Penny:) Thanks for reading it and entering the contest! Love your books!

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  15. Thanks for sharing your touching story.

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  16. Thank you for sharing such a touching story and thanks for taking part in the hop :)

    kimberlyFDR@yahoo.com

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    1. I'm having a blast with the hop! Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the contest:) Have a great day!!

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  17. What a beautiful story. Todd was lucky to have you. And I suspect you were lucky to have him back then as well

    morris.crissy@gmail.com

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    1. You're absolutely right, Crissy. Even though it was a very hard time, we were lucky to have each other in the end. They thought me a lot and in many ways made me who I am today, and for that I'll always be grateful.

      *hugs*

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  18. oh my goodness...i have tears in my eyes! Thank you so much for sharing such a touching story & i am so happy that you all are still friends today!

    raynman1979 at yahoo dot com

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    1. Thank you Rissa:) I almost didn't share this chapter in my life, but in the end I thought it was important for the sake of what the blog hop stands for. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and enter the contest:)

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  19. Whoa, Andi... great story! Thanks for sharing!
    Barb

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting and commenting on my blog!!

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  20. Thanks for sharing your story.

    bellzette_3@hotmail.com

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    1. You're welcome! Thank you for commenting on it. I really appreciate it:)

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  21. I'm glad the story had a happy ending and that you all stayed friends, they sound like really good friends to have!

    anzuazura at yahoo DOTde

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    1. Lana, we had to work through a lot of heartache and tears to get where we are today. In the end, it was worth it. He's always going to be a dear friend of mine and I think we've both learned a lot from each other. I'm blessed to have him in my life.

      Thank you for visiting my blog and entering the contest:)

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  22. Thank you for sharing your story.
    musings-of-a-bookworm@hotmail.co.uk

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  23. Hello, I've been lucky enough to read a couple of your stories and liked them very much. I admire you for joining so many authors for such a worthy cause. Good luck to you.

    Missy Martine
    missymartine@comcast.net
    www.missymartine.com

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    1. Wow! *Blushes* I'm thrilled you like my books! Thanks for letting me know and making my day:) It is a worthy cause and one I hope will be in the right direction for the change that's needed. Thanks for commenting:) I really appreciate it!!

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  24. Andi, thanks for sharing your story.

    dannyfiredragon@aol.com

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    1. Thank you for visiting my blog and letting me share my story with you. Have a great day:)

      Delete
  25. Thank you for sharing your story, I'm really glad you decided to stay friends with Todd and the others and I'm sure they all appreciated the support as well.

    ineedtoread76 [at] gmail.com

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    1. Me too. To think I almost threw in the towel and walked away, but I loved them and even though I was hurt and confused I couldn't let them go. They were/are such wonderful people and I'm glad we took the much needed time to work things out between us. They taught me so much and for that, I'll always love them.

      Thanks for commenting and entering the contest:)

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  26. What a beautiful tribute to Todd and his friends and to you, for your compassion

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    1. Thank you, Sue. I really appreciate you saying that. *hugs*

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  27. Thank you for sharing your story. It is wonderful how you all have stayed friends and grown together out of the experience.

    Juliebites@gmail.com

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    1. We did, but it took work. In the end, I think we all gained something from it. Live, learn and love, right?

      Thanks for visiting and entering the contest!

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  28. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm glad that Todd came out to you about who he is and that he didn't marry you. I have a friend who got married and her husband came out after the fact. They have a daughter. After my friend found out he was gay they divorced, he never wanted to be a father. She moved with their daughter to another state. It was just such a sad story.

    so now Todd is happy and I'm glad you are still close

    yinyang1062 at yahoo dot com

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    1. Thank you, Lily. I'm sorry about your friend. At the time, I wished and begged for him to 'ignore' those feelings and to give us a chance. He was the smart one and he held his ground. Because of that, we both have the life we wanted and we're still friends today. If not, there's not telling what would have happened, so things worked out the way they were supposed too. Thanks for sharing your friends story. I'm very sorry that's happened to them.
      *hugs*

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  29. Thank you for sharing this great story. : )

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    1. *hugs* Thanks for stopping by and commenting on it:)

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  30. Thanks for sharing your story. I also went to HS in the 80's (and was a HUGE Madonna fan) and also felt like homosexuality was something that simply wasn't talked about. "Homo" was thrown around as an insult, but not really meant literally. I don't know of anyone at my school who was gay, but surely there were some people who were. I'm sure your friends love you dearly and are thankful for your acceptance.

    madison1729@gmail.com

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    1. Another Madonna fan!! Madonna was the bomb in the eighties!!
      You're absolutely right, Madison. Times were so different then and living in such a small city, I honestly thought homosexuals lived in places like California or New York...not in Arkansas. I was very wrong and naive, but it was a different time then and I'm glad things are steadily changing. Let's make sure this continues!!

      Thanks for visiting my blog and for commenting:)

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  31. Thanks for the story. nlerickson@aol.com

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  32. What a strong message you wrote. You overcame a broken heart and supported four dear friends to see them happy. And in turn, you gained some amazing true friends.

    I'm so glad to see you are happy!

    Loves you, hon!!

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  33. Thank you so much for sharing this part of you, Andi. It was truly inspirational. You, Todd and his friends are so very lucky to have found each other, and although you all went through so much hurt at the time, you came out of it much stronger. It goes to show with love and support, we can all make such a big difference.

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    1. You're right, Charlie. Thank you for your thoughtful and heartfelt comment. I appreciate it:) *hugs*

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  34. Thank You for sharing!
    pantsoffreviews@live(dot)ca

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  35. Andi, what a touching story. You can't help but to look back at your life and realize what our youth is going through today with the lack of respect, love, understanding and acceptance. All I wish is that those who are screaming the loudest and hurting so many innocent ones would just quiet down and for once, listen. I hope one day they open their hearts.

    Warm Hugs to you,
    Sandra Rush
    taina1959@yahoo.com
    http://enchantedrosegarden.blogspot.com

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    1. You're right, Sandra. I hope one day they will all be able to open their eyes and see the hurt they cause. It saddens me to see what today's youth are going through. We all have to stand up with them and help them through this time of need. People like you will make the difference.

      *Hugs* thank you for commenting and visiting my blog.

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  36. That was such a great story, I'm glad that you guys are still friends and all it's really sweet story.

    red_tigergirl2(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks Sarah. Me too! They have meant the world to me and I can't imagine what my life would be like without them.

      Thanks for stopping by:)*hugs*

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  37. Wow, what an amazing story. I'm so glad that he got the courage to tell you, and that it all worked out! Thanks so much for sharing with us.

    ashley.vanburen[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Thank you, Ashley:) I appreciate you saying that:)

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  38. What a touching story... This says a lot about how it feels to be on the other side of coming out, which is something, as a gay man, I definitely have less experience with. Thanks for helping me see the other side of it, and I applaud you for having an open mind and working so far through something that must have been very hurtful for you.

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    1. Thank you for letting me know that, Cole. I was totally blindsided by his confession and I honestly thought it was something I did to make him that way. But through many hours of talking and working through it, I can to understand that it didn't have anything to do with me. I've learned a lot from him and I've watched him grow into a wonderful man. He wouldn't have turned out that way if he hadn't been as brave as he was. I still admire his bravery for standing up for what is right. It's because of him and our friends I learned to see love as a classless, colorless, genderless thing and for the beauty for what it is.
      thanks for commenting. I appreciate it:)

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  39. Sorry!

    cole[dot]riann[at]gmail[dot]com

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  40. What a story you have to tell. I'm glad you are still friends and Todd sounds like a great guy - fostering is something i admire in others but nit sure i could do myself.
    Suze
    Littlesuze@hotmail.com

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    1. He does have A LOT of patience. He's been fostering with his partner for years and most of the children he takes under his wing consider him their father. He's definitely an amazing person and has changed so many lives. I admire him in many ways.

      Thanks for commenting and visiting my blog:)

      Delete
  41. That's a great message, love and friendship overcoming hurt and anger. I'm glad that you all have been able to be friends no matter what.

    lyraDOTlucky7 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you, Lyra. With time and understanding hurt feelings can change into something beautiful. Thank you for visiting my blog and entering the contest.

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  42. Thank you for sharing your story. Really wonderful to hear that you kept in touch with Todd, I know it must not have been easy for you. Wish you all the best.

    Tmason442@gmail.com

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    1. Thank you, TMason. *hugs* I wish the same for you!

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  43. that is a wonderful story andi. i am glad todd was honest enough with you at the beginning so you didn't have to endure the heartache years into the marriage. it must have been hard for him to tell you in the first place but i am glad you two are still friends

    parisfan_ca@yahoo.com

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    1. Me too, Laurie. At the time, I wondered if we'd ever get through it. He was and is still a very brave person. I'm glad we still remained friends too. He's definitely enriched my life.

      Thanks for commenting and entering the contest:)

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  44. That was an awesome story. I love that you are still friends.

    SheriV
    smurfettev@gmail.com

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    1. Thank you, Sheri:) I appreciate that. *Hugs*

      Thanks for commenting and entering the contest:)

      Delete
  45. Wow, that's an amazing story! So sorry you were hurt *hugs*, but I'm glad you were able to remain friends with Todd. Poor guy, he must have agonized over this for weeks before he told you, probably dreading having to hurt you :/

    Erica

    eripike at gmail dot com

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    1. He was. It's because he loved me and he loved himself enough to be honest about who he is. One of the things I remember most is him telling me how much he loved me and how special I was. He told me he knew there would be someone out there who deserved my love and to have a life with me. At the time, I was so hurt, I couldn't think past the heartache I was feeling. But with time and determination from him and our friends we worked it out. It was hard, but worth it. We're both happy now in our own lives and I credit him for that.

      Thanks for stopping by and hosting this blog! It's one of the most important things I've ever been part of. Thanks for letting me share my story and participate in it with you. *hugs*

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  46. Awesome story Andi, I always love hearing how folks stand by their gay friends and family. It helps make things easier for us to have steady people around us. That makes you one great friend.

    andy@amburns.com

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    1. *blushes* Thank you, AM. You've made me speechless....which is a rare thing. LOL! I appreciate you saying that. *hugs*

      Thank you for commenting and stopping by:)

      Delete
  47. Great story. As I grew up in small town OK in the 50s and 60s I can relate to your lack of knowledge, I probably knew less until much later in life. There was a young man at work that I loved hanging with, John was hilarious. I later became friends with his mother who was a little in denial but she came through for him when he got in trouble with the law (caught in a sting in the park). She moved with him to Houston where there was a larger gay community than in our small town. John contracted AIDS and passed away in 1990. I still think of him and miss his goofy humor.

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    1. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, Nancy. John sounded like an amazing person who brought others happiness. AIDS is such a terrible disease. My heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing that with me. *hugs*

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  48. Hi Andi. A wonderful story for sure. I have gay friends and family in my life and hy heart aches when I hear about what they have been through and are still subjected to. They are all amazing people and I consider myself richer for them being in my life. Nice to know a bit more about you.

    vonalogan@gmail.com

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    1. Thank you, Vona:) I feel the same way. My life is richer because of Todd and our friends. Thank you for commenting and sharing a little of yourself too:) *hugs*

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  49. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Todd and the outcome. How much richer your life is for it...*S* Your sweet and loving heart make you an incredible loving individual. I have been a support for LGBT rights for many years and hope that the world can learn to be better human beings instead hate mongers they have become.
    Thank you for sharing and being a part of fighting against this homophobic world.

    Darcy
    pommawolf @hotmail.com

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    1. Wow! Thank you, Darcy! It's because of people like you that changes are happening right now. You are awesome! *hugs*

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  50. That must have been a painful experience for you all--but I'm glad you remained friends.

    dephalqu@yahoo.com

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    1. Me too, Kim. Everything worked out the way it was meant to be. Because of his bravery, it changed not only his live, but mine and others as well. I'm honored to still be friends with him. I knew when I met him, my life would change, but I had no idea what positive changes he would make in it. I'll always be indebted to him for opening my eyes to things I had no idea about and to learn to see love for what it really is.

      Thanks for commenting and stopping by:) *hugs*

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  51. As painful as that was for you I am glad that in the end it worked out.

    sionedkla@gmail.com

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  52. It was painful, and at the time I didn't know if I'd ever work through it. But with the help and determination of Todd, my family and our friends I did and we all came out to be better people because of it.

    Thank you for commenting. I appreciate it:) *hugs*

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  53. Beautiful and poignant, Andi. Thank you so much for sharing that. I know it had to have been painful at the time and to remember, but thank you.
    I don't know you, but I am sending you *HUGS*
    Thank you.
    Bella
    www.belleleonebooks.com
    bellaleone4 at gmail dot come

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  54. I'm glad you could work past the pain and that he didn't turn his back on you because you were hurting. He must be a great friend.

    penumbrareads(at)gmail(dot)com

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  55. Thanks for participating in the hop. This is a great cause that I pray one day will not be needed.

    forettarose@yahoo.com

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  56. I'm glad your fear didn't stole you from your friends, Loved meeting you!

    marinaroumpi at gmail dot com

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  57. thank you for participating in the hop

    ninajanke at gmail dot com

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  58. Thank you for sharing your story! It's been great to hear from everyone in the hop.

    burchills@gmail.com

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  59. What a truly beautiful story. I was a teen in the 80's too...it was such a different era. Your friends are so luck to have you in their lives :)

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  60. That was a touching story thank you for Sharon that with us.

    Sarah S

    Sarahs7836(at)gmail(dot)com

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  61. What an amazing and touching story.
    Nastasha
    stashlab(at)gmail(dot)com

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  62. A very touching story. Thanks so much for sharing and spreading the word against homophobis.

    tiger-chick-1 (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  63. It's amazing that you all stayed friends, you must have been really hurt but Todd probably felt even worse for hurting someone he loved. I'm happy you all found to each other!

    moonsurfer123 AT gmail DOT com

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  64. What a touching story. I am so happy you managed to remain friends

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  65. What a wonderful story to share! I guess you were just the person Todd needed at the right time, even though it didn't feel that way at the time, but I'm sure you are now treasured friends as a result!
    It explains your heartfelt stories too!

    diall@shaw.ca

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  66. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have been on the other side of it -- the closeted partner who one day had to break the news. I want to tell you how much I admire you for not letting your ex-husband's revelation cast you into lifelong bitterness. The kindness and tolerance you showed him will find its way back to you.

    S.A. Reid
    steph.abbott1@gmail.com

    So glad you joined this hop so I could discover your site and your writing.

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  67. Thanks so much for sharing that. I wish you the best of luck and look forward to reading your work!

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  68. So glad things worked out that you were able to stay friends with them!! And glad their lives are going well. :)

    lina7391(at)hotmail.com

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  69. what a wonderful post...so heartfelt and I am so glad that you all have remained friends. It brings new things to light hearing it from your unique point of view. Thanks again for sharing!
    Christy
    allstarjumperstx2(at)gmail(dot)com

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  70. Great post thanks for sharing

    suefitz1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  71. Hi Andi. Thank you so much for sharing such a personal story with us. I can't imagine how hard it was for the two of you and I happy you managed to stay friends.
    Thank you for taking part in the hop and for your generosity.
    *hugs*
    K-lee

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  72. Thanks so much for that wonderful post! I really like knowing you understand the coming out process so deeply.
    OceanAkers@aol.com

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  73. Thanks for sharing this story. rpoma72(at)yahoo(dot)com.

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  74. Wonderful post. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm glad you were able to accept Todd and your other friends.

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  75. Thank you for sharing your story with us. And for being a part of this blog hop.

    Judi
    arella3173_loveless(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  76. Your post was very touching, I loved that you were able to remain friends.

    peggy1984 (at) live (dot) com

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  77. Your post made me cry! It must have been difficult to share such an emotional story and I thank you for doing so.

    lena.grey.iam@gmail.com

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  78. This...is a good story. I can only imagine how hard it must have been to share, not only for the emotions of the past but the ones in the present.

    R

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  79. Awww Andi very touching, I was a very naive girl growing up just 95 miles south from you, what are the odds!! Yes in Arkansas we were very deprived especially in the country.

    You have a great heart Andi thanks for sharing your story.

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  80. What a deeply moving story. I can understand why Todd felt like he couldn't be open with you. I'm impressed with the way you overcame your hurt and sense of betrayal--your friends sound like amazing people and you are fortunate to have known them. :-)

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  81. Homophobic Cyberstalking story of the Century can be read herehttp://homophobicdorsetpolice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/the-pre-meditated-and-manipulated-16th.html

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