We’ve just come through another Pride month which means I’ve had opportunities to speak to groups about PFLAG and my sons. At times I will point out that I think it was helpful for us and my boys to have had LGBT representation in our lives prior to either of my kids coming out. I will namelessly mention some family members but usually focus on a couple who have been around since before Jo and I married 40 years ago.
They shouldn’t be nameless. They are Phil Paul and Keith Gorney and they are not just our friends, but “the Aunties” to our sons.
It will take some time before I’ll be able to speak about Phil in the past tense. Both he and Keith could be classified as jokers, (and of course should be classified as a bit crazy), and the times we spent together were always filled with laughter. Rarely were there serious moments. I hope soon we can focus on those times rather than this loss. Right now I want to focus on Keith and have him know that we love him and are with him in spirit even if we’re three hours away.