I'd like to believe that even though I speak and write publicly about my eating disorder, my advocacy and my personal struggles, when it comes to "real-life" experiences and day-to-day interactions, I am a very private person. This fact is difficult for my personal acquaintances to fathom, but that doesn't...

The intersection of faith, eating disorders and sexuality is definitely complex. Feb. 17, 2012, was the date that I published my coming out here on The Huffington Post, just over one year ago.

Figuring out who you truly are and where many of your thoughts and beliefs...

I've been stepped-on, written off, abandoned, judged, ostracized, and burdened.

OK, are you thinking, "Self-pity, much?" I'll be the last one to believe I am perfect; I'll never want to be, and I know full-well that in any life situation, it always takes two to tango. I know that...

I've come to the realization that when it comes to outside opinions, you never really "win," and boy, this past year has been one for the books. I find myself wondering why I became open about who I am. I know it was to be open with the people I...

Would the LGBT community be more willing to embrace the GOP or conservatives if the one issue, the one defining obstacle, gay marriage/equality or however you'd like to frame that term as it is defined for you, were simply agreed upon?

Despite a contentious war of words and despite your...

When I disclosed my sexuality back in February of this year, it was one of the most liberating experiences I've ever had and there were many benefits that followed. I didn't have to fear certain situations with anyone, I didn't have to plan or "explain" myself away to people I...

I've constantly been an individual who, when a problem or issue arises, wants that problem fixed and taken care of as soon as possible. It's not necessarily that I'm seeking today's version of "instant gratification," but I know the sooner you address an issue, the less of an obstacle it...

No one would ever choose to be hated, teased, abandoned, or treated differently; and no one would choose to be gay, to have cancer, or inherit a parent's negative reputation. One question that has me perplexed is that when the same individual seeks acceptance and wants what everyone else already...

What are we going to do about all of the "non-manly" guys running around the United States? Apparently, the great assumption is that by engaging in activities ranging from military exercises to boy scouting, we could eliminate the "problem" altogether.

I am 100-percent in support of greater parental involvement...

I have always had a difficult time finding out where I stand concerning the various spectrums of today's society. Growing up gay; being "born again" in my teens and a strong Christian; having a mixed family; being faced with the potential struggles and choices associated with family; alcoholism and much,...

If you find yourself in this world speaking out as an activist or advocate, passionately voicing your opinions for the good of your fellow man, don't make waves for the sake of being different. Do it because you wholeheartedly believe in what you're fighting for.

I and Matthew David,...

Through the process of completing a class for my graduate program, I had a very eye-opening experience concerning my sexuality, my faith, my eating disorder, my emotional hurt, etc., and knew that others in my position would benefit from the words circling inside this 10-pound bobble on my shoulders.

Since my "coming out" piece in February, I have received, for the most part, positive feedback. However, the topic of how my sexuality and my recovery from an eating disorder might tie together continues to be a troublesome one to bring up without eliciting anger and frustration from...

What if you could conquer something straight away, or speak various words that were able to move the world today? Well, the time is now, because for the first time in our lives, we can know we'll be OK.

I'm not going to spend my entire existence seeking something that...

Growing up in North Dakota in an environment abundant with oceans of wheat, vast plains, rolling hills, and wonderful people, it's hard to believe that such a tumultuous journey could lie ahead in a young man's life.

To each outcast, in every sense possible, this piece is for you.

Look in a mirror and one thing's sure; what we see is not who we are. -- Richard Bach

It's 5:55 AM and I'm turning over to start the day. I stumble to the bathroom and begin to prepare myself for what may come. I used to dread those first...

Instead of constantly asking why things have happened in my life, I've come to the conclusion that the best way to find out is to gradually admit that I may never know.

As I remember a time when I stared down at my damaged body, trying to peer into my...

"Nobody gets to live life backward. Look ahead, that is where your future lies."
--Ann Landers

Current and tragic events in our society have recently catapulted a campaign to fight stigma and stereotypes in reference to hate crimes against the gay community. While I frequently encourage my audiences to...

"Now that my past is erased
I feel the healing
I found the meaning of grace;
I'm not what I have done
I'm what I've overcome"

-- F.F.

It's time to have the conversation about regret. I've always worried about the decisions I...

"I could care less if you love or hate me. I'm way past that. I'm asking that you respect me as a human being, anyway."

About a year and a half ago when I began treatment for my illness, my therapist at the time told me something....