Growing up, I never thought I'd be able to live my life openly as a gay man. From as early as 8 years of age, I was made to feel that being gay was unacceptable, and that I'm meant to hide it forever. Even after I came out to my mom, I couldn't bring myself to tell my dad. I was absolutely convinced that he wouldn't accept it.
When I was 20 years old in Toronto, I was wrapping up a theatre show, and I went out with my castmates to a club to celebrate. We had drinks, I sang "The Edge of Glory" on karaoke...I was on cloud nine.
Then I got a text message saying that my dad had just died. It was extremely sudden and unexpected.

To make matters worse, this was just two weeks after my dad and I had our very first open conversation about me being gay. Where he told me, for the first time, that he loved and accepted me for who I am. We hugged. We both cried.
We had finally turned a brand new leaf in the book of our relationship, yet just two weeks later, he was gone. 

 

"Alexandra" is inspired by this story, and the lived experience of so many others who are fighting for the love they deserve. Written from the perspective of a parent writing a letter to their estranged child, this record, which features my mom's backing vocals, is a call to action for the parents, the grandparents, and the guardians of the Queer Community. Do not wait to show your child love and support. We need it even when we're 8.