I was born gay, of course, and went through hell all the way through school. I was called faggot, queer, and homo all through life. I came out to my parents when I was 17. My mom cried and my dad looked down to the floor. I hugged them both then left home and moved in with a man. I stayed with him for 5 years, then met another man with 2 boys. At the time, they were 6 and 7. I stayed with him for about 13 years until the kids were grown. He was a drug addict (crack) and very abusive. When I left him the boys were grown and came with me. I’m Father to them now. They have three kids between them and the youngest grandchild is named after me. Even though I’m not biologically their dad, I am Papa and Dad to them and we have a great family together. All of my life, I have been beaten by classmates and a lover, and called names, but when I look and see my sons and grandkids I know I did the right thing. Yes, there were consequences–I now suffer from anxiety disorders, I see a psychiatrist and a psychologist and I suffer from agoraphobia. But I’m still here. Let nothing get you down–I’m down but not out.
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NOTE: Kenny was proud to share a photo of part of his family. Below you’ll see Kenny with his youngest step-son, his step-son’s wife, and Kenny’s first grandson.
Very inspirational, Kenny. Your kids are lucky to have someone like you as their father. Keep on keeping your chin up!
Your kids are lucky and they know it. Thank you for not turning away from those children.
Incredibly moving story, Kenny. Thanks for sharing the photo. You’re a great example of the kind of resilience I saw in gay adults that helped me come to terms with myself and come out. It’s nice hearing stories about uncommon families formed under the molten conditions of love and compassion.
I have the honor of knowing Kenny personally. His nephew is dating my youngest daughter. I met Kenny almost a year ago. He was shy at first, but he came out of his shell quickly. Kenny is not only courageous for living his life as an outed gay man ( in a very small southern town!), helping to raise two little boys under horrible conditions, Kenny is also funny, very smart, loving, and creative. Despite his conditions he is also helping his brother, who is also gay, raise a son, and helping his mother who works long hours by doing yard work, house work so she does not have to come home and do it. In their house there is love, compassion, understanding, and laughter. His nephew is one of the most loving, caring, funny, gentleman I know at his age, 17. He has a wonderful relationship with his nephew and I believe that this is helping to shape his nephew into the man he will become.
Kenny has shown me something I have been campaigning for, that two men, or women, can raise children with unconditional love, understanding, compassion, and morels. The children are better people because of it.
Kenny, you are a wonderful, awesome person. I am so deeply proud to have you in my life as a friend and hope that our friendship deepens. Love ya….
That’s incredible.
I think it’s wonderful that you didn’t allow anything to get in the way of assuring the safety and well being of those kids.