I smell freedom across the I-5 bridge to Washington, and I want it. I deserve it. I am thrilled for my brothers and sisters in our neighboring state, but being able to see equality now just over the river has added insult to injury.

I am still trying as a 32-year-old man to get to a place inside where I actually do treasure my own being. That reads sadder than it sounded in my head, but growing up gay in a bigoted church didn't help me develop self-worth as a child.

I challenge the local, national, and international queer press to step back and look at the bigger picture. I suggest that you work harder to be journalists instead of just lazily stirring the pot we have been placed in by those who would do us harm.

Instead of assuming I am gay because I was abused, doesn't it seem at least three times more likely that I was abused because I was gay? To me, this is a no-brainer, but it's relieving to have this new science back up what I have been saying for years.