Angel of Love Painting

The passing of Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist Church touched me. He symbolized all of the hate and fear I have experienced in my life. He was that external face and a voice. God Hates Fags. Growing up gay sucked. Growing up gay in Wyoming really sucked. It shaped my life forever. I felt inferior and at many times felt I didn’t deserve to live. Something that has shadowed my life ever since. As I grew, travelled and met others like me I found I was not alone. I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s. It was the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. It was believed by many at this time it was a “gay curse”, see, God hates fags. The AIDS memorial quilt was displayed for the last time in 1996 in Washington DC. I had the honor of marching with over half a million people. We quietly marched with lit candles in hand to the Lincoln memorial. Half way in the march you could hear chaos and shouts. As I approached the area, there stood Fred Phelps and his followers. They had their signs in hand and shouting, “God hates fags”. I personally saw this tortured man. His eyes glazed with hate and a sadistic smile. I also saw a young boy beside him. This boy was sad. You could see that he didn’t want to be there protesting. I suspect he had no choice. My heart felt for that young boy. You see without Fred Phelps in my life, I couldn’t have grown stronger and prouder of who I am, a child of God. We all are, and yes, so is Fred Phelps. Part of who I am is an artist. Words are not my strong forte, that is why I paint pictures. That is also why I have painted a guardian angel for Fred Phelps. But, it doesn’t stop here..... Half of the proceeds of the sale of this painting, will go to an organization called Larkin Street Youth Services. The organization helps youths between the ages of 12-24. They help to get homeless and at-risk kids off the streets in San Francisco, CA. My late partner and I volunteered at Larkin Street Youth Services while living in the San Francisco. A number of families across United States will reject youths from their homes after learning of child’s sexual identity. A few youths will move to San Francisco because of the large LGTB community hoping to find acceptance. However, to survive some are forced to illegal activity, such as prostitution and drugs. Larkin Street provides them help, regardless of sexual identity. Help me in turning the hate and anger of Fred Phelps into a good thing. I mean after all God is love.