... I want to help others who have been in this situation or are trying to cope with the idea of being gay. There is always light in the darkest of situations. 

from a message to Journeys, 4/27/98

My name is Jayson. I came to "Bridges" in hopes for answers and to enlarge my ciircle of friends. I come from a very non-religious family. Which is another reason that I decided to join you all. My story is of the sad but common category. I'm not really looking for definitive answers, just mainly ideas. I'm not much of a religion person either, that I believe is because of the surroundings I grew up in. Guidance in that area of life would also be greatly appreciated. 

As my story goes, I am a 22 year old gay white male. About 9 months ago I decided to "come out" to my parents and sister. My sister, to this day, is fine with it all. My parents on the other hand are a different story. When I told them, within seconds I was told to pack up and get out of "their" house. They also continued the disconnection, by taking away my car. My life had come to a complete hault. I had no idea what I was going to do, or where I was going to go. Luckily, a friend and her mother said I could stay with them. If not for them, I don't think I would be here to tell this story to you. 

But instead of sitting around a letting this ruin my life, I turned it into the most positive learning experience of my life. After about 2 months oof living at my friends, I decided I needed to do something with my life. I went out to find a job. Sure enough, after a total of 4 months, I became employed. Things since then have taken a turn for the better. 

I now have a ful time job doing Online Support for a major company. I make around $22,000+ a year. And to put the icing on the cake, I have gotten an apartment along the lake in the city of Chicago. Still no car, but I really don't need one. I am enjoying life to the fullest now. It has been 9 months since I moved out of my parents house, and I have not heard one word from them. I've made my attempts. I can't push them for a reason or a decision. There is a reason for everything. 

The whole reason that I decided to look into "Bridges" was because I think that I have alot to offer someone who is in the same situation or is thinking about coming out. I could have let this get me down and ruin my life. Instead I looked on the bright side of things and did something about it. There is always light in the darkest of situations. I am proof of that. I do believe one thing, that God does not give us more than we can handle in life. 

Jayson Higgins 

jhiggins@eb.com 

email 
Jayson