So gay

It was April 14, 1993 — a Wednesday. I was 17. My sister was 19 and was a student at Wash U in St. Louis, Missouri. I was probably a month away from high school graduation. I’d already confirmed I’d be going to Tulane University in the Fall.

So, I lied. And so did my sister and my parents. I needed to be absent from school for a few days to go ‘check out Wash U.’

“Doesn’t your sister go there,” my principal asked, his eyebrow raised. “And aren’t you going to Tulane in the fall?” Both true. I lied.

I had to go, so my parents excused me with the patented red pen my mom used to sign excuses and to also grade papers…

I drove to St. Louis.

My sister had two tickets to Mississippi Nights — we went to see Indigo Girls in concert.

I would come out for the first time 3 years later. #PRIDE