My friendship with Chris grew stronger when I was fired from the Washington State Department of Corrections, Pine Lodge Pre-Release. I was a guard there for 2 months. My lieutenant found out I was gay because a lesbian that worked there told him I was gay. I was fired unjustly, because, as I was told, I was "too personal with the female inmates." YEA RIGHT!! I told Chris and he had me move in with him and Shannon. So, I did.
I got a job working at the Coeur d' Alene Resort in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. I worked there for 2 months and was fired because my transportation manager found out I was gay. I thought it was okay to be openly gay at a hospitality organization. I was wrong. She put her personal/religious beliefs in front of my job. I was really upset. But, again, Chris was there for me. I love him, Shannon, Aidan, and now Ethan, with all my heart. Ethan was born on 3 April 1998. I missed being there and regret it so much.
I got a job working for Skippers Fish & Chips. I worked my way from a crew member to Assistant Manager in three months. I worked hard, but the thing that I loved the most about it, other than the good friends and fun we had, is that they didn't care that I was gay. Finally a job where I didn't get discriminated against.
I transferred to Seattle, Washington on 3 April 1998, to be the Assistant Manager of the Des Moins Store. I was there a week and got really sick, from some food I ate on Capitol Hill. I had to move to Rhode Island to get better.
I moved to Rhode Island the day before Easter. I got a job at REZsolutions Inc. a week later. I was there for 7 months and loved it. I worked in a company that protects it's employees from discrimination because of sexual orientation. Most of the employees there were gay, too. That helped. I also had more benefits than most major corporations offer.
I moved back to Idaho in November. I returned to Skippers and have been there since. I am the Assistant Manager for the store I am in. I missed being here. I missed Chris and Aidan as well.
I attended one semester at North Idaho College for Political Science. I decided a few weeks ago to transfer to Boise State University. I am moving on 20 June 1999 to Boise. I will miss Chris and Aidan again...They are closer though. I am going to finish my Political Science Degree at BSU. Then I will run for office. I plan on being the first openly gay President of the United States.
It is because of the problems I have had, I decided to become an active member of the gay community. I was the Chief of Security of the Rhode Island PRIDE Committee.
I also volunteered at AIDS Project RI. I have some friends with this virus and want to help prevent it an help those who have it. Please volunteer at your local AIDS Project or Coalition, volunteers are needed despirately.
I am now the Vice President of the Rainbow Freedom Coalition. It is a Grass Roots Human Rights organization started by myself and some friends after the murder of Matthew Shepard. I am friends with some people who knew Matthew, so it affected my life as well. I have become more active because of his death. I am moving the North West Regional HQ for the Rainbow Freedom Coalition to Boise. There it should do better because it will be in the state capitol. I am always looking for volunteers, so email me.
I have designed this web site to help others through any problems they may have. I hope this will be an inspiration for others who have to deal with similar situations. I encourage anyone to email me if you would like to discuss this site or anything else that may be on your mind.
