Ron Blake
Blake Late Show on Instagram & Facebook
Last month I visited the University of Wyoming for the first time. I came with my big awareness project about sexual and domestic violence that I’ve taken on a cross country odyssey over the past four years.
I was cautioned by supporters and advocates around the nation to be careful on my journey for several reasons. I was traveling alone. I am gay. And I was coming to Laramie, Wyoming.
People reminded of the Matthew Shepard story from 21 years ago in this city. I was further reminded that this is a conservative state.
On my journey to reach a symbolic goal I’ve given a TEDx talk and have spoken out in dozens of colleges and cities about my story of sexual and domestic violence so that I can find recovery while helping others find their healing too.
Part of that story involves me speaking out as a survivor who is not just a man…but a gay man.
But I did not let that stop me from coming to Laramie and UW. We can’t live our lives in fear or stay stuck in the past. Or we will never be able to live at all. So I came here anyway.
Sure I realize there are people who do not accept me or like me because I am gay. However, I didn’t experience hatred during my one day and overnight here in Laramie.
The students at UW and the residents of this city listened to my story of trauma into triumph. They offered their support for my efforts to get my project to the symbolic goal so I can help millions of survivors find hope in a unique way.
Stigmas take a long time to erase. The stigma about male survivors of sexual and domestic violence. The stigma about gay men. And the stigma about Laramie and the hate crime murder of UW student Matthew Shepard.
Thanks to students and residents who were warm and inviting to me on my recent visit to UW and Laramie. You treated me as more than a survivor. As more than a gay man. You all treated me as your brother. That is the story I will share with the world
