Things to know when you’re thinking how you want to come out.do not call it coming out. definitely not out of the closet. call it whispering a truth they don’t know about you. or shouting one. without being apologetic. call it the way you love. feel. breathe. Do  not tell them you are different. tell them they don’t feel the way you do. tell them you felt warm when you saw two girls holding hands, one placing a kiss on the other’s lips, calmly. your body spoke to you when the man sitting beside you in the men’s room at three o’clock smiled at you and accidentally brushed his arm against yours. how you noticed his eyes and his mustache and wanted that style on your own face, minus the zits on his forehead.

Tell  them how you never felt the electricity kissing girls in high school and you always questioned why. how eighteen months after graduating, your first true love was a man playing his guitar on the park bench. you almost could not believe how your heart raced when he slid his fingers through his hair, flashing his black eyes right at you.

Tell them the realization did not come easily to you either. but it was the only soothing gesture to your restlessness. the only tranquilizer your anxiety could ever ask for. ask them not to roll their eyes, even if they can’t hold themselves back.

Do not sugarcoat anything. do not let them wrong you. and even for a split second, do not feel sorry. after you are done, do not beg for their acceptance, for it’s the most precious gift you ever gave yourself.

I have been very blessed.  When I began this project I had no idea what artists would be willing to share their work.  It’s been a thrill to watch each develop their style and technics.  Some are young and full of promise.  Some are seasoned and honing their skills. None is becoming more proficient in technique, style and detail than a women I am so proud to call my friend.  Yes, the site has costs to maintain it, but I have found spirits that are truly unique loving human beings.  The benefit of being able to lean on them for advice or an objective ear should never be understated.  Rosalba, thank you for being a friend and for trusting me with your art*