I grew up in a very white, very Protestant, very conservative farm town in rural Oregon where I both suffocated and became aware of myself, and then transplanted myself to New York City where I study languages and literature (English/Japanese/Italian/dabbling in Latin and Chinese) at Columbia University.  I studied in Japan for a while in high school, and I plan to study abroad in Italy next year.

Last year I came out to all the people I felt bad about lying to, and lost a lot of friends.  I’m still reeling, but anger motivates me and sadness inspires me.  If anyone knows a good way to get involved in gay rights activism in NYC, let me know.

I don’t believe in absolutes, categories, labels, or generalizations, but I realize their usefulness.  As such, I do not believe in absolute morality, absolute religion, absolute gender identity, absolute truth, (or Absolut vodka?), but I respect and even admire those who place their faith in any of these.