he is gay since childhood. For many reasons he could not come out to his parents or his friends. Over the years he has developed a love for all aspects of the church. When he served as associate pastor at the Evergreen church, he was asked by his fellow pastors to make a statement regarding his sexuality. It pained him to deny his gayness in front of the congregation. But he had no choice if he was to remain doing what he loved so much.

He does not regret waiting 56 years before coming out. Melvin says his life experiences as a gay Christian in the closet were valuable to him.

In telling his story, Melvin broke out into song, expressing the freedom he now feels as a liberated gayman. Because he has come to accept who he really is, he can not only love himself as a gay man, but also love others more fully — even those who may reject him. He teaches all of us what it means to be a Christian.

Then on Sunday, the 22nd, Marsha Aizumi hosted the first Asian Pacific Islander Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) San Gabriel Valley gathering at the studio of Andre Ting in Monterey Park. Attending was a gamut of LGBTQ people and their families.

It was inspiring to hear the stories from such a wide range of people. There was an air of complete understanding and acceptance.

Sitting opposite me was a young Korean woman who was a United Methodist pastor giving support to