Bullying in the gay community.

As my post yesterday spoke on the issue of Derek Ward.

"Derek Ward, your poor character for other gay people in the community especially those who have done meth, just as you yourself have, your business is none of mine, and my past drug use, has no resemblance of my character today and the person I've become. Your bitterness and nastiness is a wonderful example to all of us in the gay community. Thank you for once again, 3 years later, sweeping me off my feet with your charming personality. ♥"

A close friend emailed me the information about Derek's Facebook status post on Sunday evening, harrassing me through, bringing up past issues involving my methamphetime drug use, and sexual behavior, and lifestyle choices. Until today I hadn't read any of it, but I'm not too sure about the rest of the gay community, but as we are looking for acceptance, and freedom , its sometimes disheartening to hear when someone in your own community brings it upon themselves to lower the moral of another person.

For myself the topic of HIV, and drug use is a touchy subject, although, yes as in the post said, I am working towards HIV prevention, and yes I have also slammed a gram of meth into my vein before. However I believe the reason I am looking to help those in the community, are for this exact reason, because people need inspiration and motivation to realize there is another path in life and they can be happy, and if they are struggling with a drug problem, I hope my story can be inspiring to others.

It saddens me greatly that in Orlando, where meth is a big issue in the gay community there is someone, attacking people, and bringing together their followers, friends, and family, to bash an individual based on choices they have made in their past. Everything in his posts is accurate information, other than the mere problem that I have come to terms with my issues, and every day is a battle to not pick up the pipe or syringe again. And I thank all my friends and supports who have been there for me, for believing in me. There is so much controvery about marriage equality, but how about bullying within the gay community? I believe this is an issue thats overlooked immensly.


Michael Lloyd
February 7, 2012