(I posted this in the GLBT forum, but I wanted to share to hopefully articulate why this was more than just the death of a celebrity for a lot of people.)
I'm not ashamed to say I'm having trouble coping with
the death of this stranger in life, yet someone I consider a hero.
Here was this young, handsome, successful heterosexual actor willing to take on that role in Brokeback Mountain.
He didn't need the work, or the money. It was a risk, yet he accepted.
My gosh, if only he knew how much that means to myself and our community.
How many of us watched that movie and said, "This is my life. I know how this ends!"
Heath and his character helped change my life. There are no more wasted opportunities.
Not to mention, society got and up and close look at the hell so many of us have to endure for love.
The ending theme music to Brokeback still haunts me, yet in a good way.
The strums of that guitar have been playing in my head since I heard the news today.
I haven't been able to watch the movie after the third and a half times because it's too painful.
Much like tonight, as the reality starts to sink in.
Thank you Heath for helping us.
You helped us and you're my hero.