Today Me, Tomorrow You
It happened. My lesbian life officially came full circle. I not only saw, but I also met, hugged, and interviewed Melissa Etheridge. I was a mess!
Ms. Melissa is one of the icons of my coming- out a long 20 years ago — the artist that played a huge role in my understanding of what it meant to be an out lesbian. I was empowered by her art. I was also comforted. So that afternoon, when Melissa sang some of those songs, I was brought right back to how I felt the first time I fell in love with a girl.
Then, there I am: face-to-face, standing arm-in-arm with the woman who sang the music of my heart, and I f*cking lost it! I was not composed, at all, regardless of what the pictures look like. I was telling her about crying throughout this glorious, intimate musical experience. Then I apologized, got myself together, and told her thank you for being that voice of my coming out. The best thing was, she thanked me for telling her! It was a great moment.
I realized I had come to a place of understanding of who I am. I am myself, ha! I mean, whenever I’m in a situation where I feel it’s more appropriate to be cool and more reserved, I totally do the opposite. I gave Melissa Etheridge shit for hugging on my wusband a little too long! Dude, Melissa Etheridge!
It’s a real comfort to feel fully at home in your surroundings regardless of how fanciful they are. These days I continually find my self wherever I am. It’s one of the most liberating experiences ever. It allows me to relax and live without pretense, experiencing all of life’s joyful moments.
Later, after the show (and after watching her take pictures with every fan that waited in line), I got to talk to her. I asked about an upcoming show. We talked about living our joy and said so many things in a very short amount of time … then her tour manager stole her attention. I was so overwhelmed with gratitude for that moment, I thought I might pop. Just splendiferous.
Later, I sat in the car marveling at my previous lack of understanding. I’ve been envisioning the life I’ve wanted to live for years. That afternoon, in that moment, I realized I was truly living it; even some of the dreams I’d checked off as “no longer possible.” They didn’t necessarily look the way I envisioned. What’s important is that I kept envisioning them, allowing me to have moments like this. That means it’s possible for you to do that same. Remember your dreams … and keep at them. Today me, tomorrow you.
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