50 sense

I grew up in the ranching community of Spur, (west) Texas. After college I moved to Dallas to escape the Republican homophobes of west Texas. Governor Rick Perry is from Paint Creek, (west) Texas. President George W. Bush is from Midland, (west) Texas. Need I say more? I heard once that Midland queers are afraid to come out of the closet for fear someone will think they are Democrats. The city provides me an environment of anonymity among heterosexuals. In Dallas I am just another queer instead of the "town queer". On the other hand the large subculture of homosexuals here provides a sense of community. Here in the "mecca" I can be me and not be ashamed. The city affords me the opportunity to surround myself with "my kind" if I so choose. Believe me, there is something comforting about that. I and my partner of 15 years are staying right here in Dallas, Texas whether we are allowed to marry or not.

Sorry, Governor Perry, Texas queers are here to stay!