After being married for 20 years and raising two kids, I became more honest with myself and accepting of my attraction to other women. It had always been a fear of mine; one I denied for years as I thought the cost of living as a gay woman was too high. I believed I would lose my family, my friends, and my job.

Of course, things were much different in the 70s and 80s but today's progress is still not without challenges.

At 76, if I could have lived my life differently, I think I would pursue what I call "my people". The ones that support you, the safe ones. People that encourage and build you up. It's much easier being yourself when you are in that environment. The NC LGBTQ center is a great place to start.