[Daniel]

Kenneth- Thanks for bringing this up. It's about time we had this conversation. And the idea of supporting each other is wonderful. My sense is that many come here because they are estranged from their families in one way or another.

I don't mind certain details.....(us performer types aren't shy!)

Though I see my family from time to time, I consider myself estranged from them. The reason for this, of course, is that they are- for the most part- conservative christians. They have a hard time with my being gay. Another factor is that I had very poor models as regards communication growing up. My parents weren't very demonstrative either. Of course, these factors have only added to the onus of being 'different' seeing that the family 'dynamic' is hardly conducive for change. It's skewed things as far as being able to address matters. And the times I have endeavored to do so- even in the most unconfrontational way- have gone nowhere. One is met with silence.

So- in brief- while we see each other in body, I have struggled my whole life with a feeling of disconnection. Of course, they have too.

It's a matter that's never far from my mind.