When I told Ray that I no longer wanted to travel several hours to speak on LGBTQ issues in the workplace, I wondered what might be next. Since then, I’ve written my memoir, and worked in an advisory capacity for two schools in Haiti, and for Human Rights Watch in South Florida.
At age 77, I still ask where I might put my creative energies to help others? Can I still be useful? Today I offered to help my friend Jonathan Rotenberg with his efforts to create safe space for homeless gay and transgender youth in Uganda, one of the most dangerous places in the world to be gay. If I’m willing to wait for the voice of the Spirit, I’ll know what to do next.
Knowing what to do was easy for 50 years because I kept saying “yes” to invitations from the Universe. I didn’t come up with the idea to spend a couple of years writing my memoir, “A Prince of a Boy.” The seed was planted by a conservative Christian niece in-law, and was encouraged by my college girlfriend. A lot of good people stepped in to show their interest and support. And then there are those who question everything I’m doing.
“We have problems here at home. Why not work on helping homeless gay and transgender youth in the U.S.?” I consider the world my home, so the LGBTQ kids in Haiti and in Uganda are my family, and there are very few people focused on their needs.
“You say that your path forward is intended to be serene, that you refuse to get upset about what’s happening in the world. What does anything you’re doing have to do with Trump?”
The former Wall Street friend I’m meeting with for coffee today is well-informed and very upset about Trump, but she focuses her time and energy on mentoring and tutoring “Kids In Distress.” There are easily hundreds of disadvantaged young people who never would have graduated from high school without her vigilant support.
A couple of days ago, I had coffee with another former Wall Street friend who has focused her attention and money on gay and transgender kids who are bullied. She hates Trump too, but she gives creative voice to all the people out there who are doing important but under-appreciated work to make the world a better and safer place to live. She’s also bought a ranch where children with autism can work with horses that have been rescued. “But what about Trump?”
There will always be work for us to help change the world regardless of our age, or former career. The work will present itself. Our job is to respond with loving kindness, give it our best, and not listen to those who judge that we’re not doing enough for the right cause in the right place. Walking a person with a disability across a busy street does more to counter Trump than being angry and doing nothing.
