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SAME SAME NOT DIFFERENT WITH GAYE WHITE ✦ Celebrating LGBT History Month
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Gaye White (right) with Francessca O'Donnell
Let’s Be Direct About This Subject. As a member of the LGBT community, how are you any different? “Same same, not different.” I believe in recognising everybody’s uniqueness as part of the oneness of humanity. In a world where so much can divide, I look for the similarities that connect us . What I see within others must be within me. Love does not discriminate, love is love.
What is life like being different? I experience being same-sex attracted as my natural expression of self so the ‘difference’ is assumed by the view lenses of others.
You ask about growing up, well exploring your sexuality as a teenager comes with its own set of growing pains. With extra layers of judgement and seeking approval of self and from family, many times it was challenging to navigate. Coming out was perhaps my point of difference, blessed to be supported by friends and mentors. I feel so very fortunate to live and work in a country where same-sex couples have marriage equality and human rights to be true to themselves without discrimination regardless of sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. Minorities in all cultures still have a long way to go and we all carry stories as a collective when there is still a bridge to gap to defend love.
