When Matthew Kinsey spotted this interesting-looking man across the bar, he decided to go over and introduce himself. He crossed the room and said hello. To Kinsey's surprise, the man giggled nervously and walked away. Intrigued, Kinsey decided to try again later in the evening. This time they did have a conversation, during which he learned that the man was on a maiden voyage into the gay scene at the age of 27 and that he was a soldier.

The importance of those facts would not register for Kinsey until later.

He had a business trip to Italy. Choi had a deployment to Turkey.

By Delena Wilkerson, Publisher

Delena is the publisher and editor of 10,000 Couples magazine. Over the past 25 years Delena has published many articles, edited a national newsletter, and been both author and editor of several how-to books on financial management for nonprofits.  Some of these experiences might even help with this latest venture.  For certain, her experiences at the helm of a local nonprofit organization taught her how to get the job done with minimal resources.  She is a graduate of Livingstone College in North Carolina and the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration.  Delena currently lives in Oak Park, IL with her spouse and son, cat and koi.

Comments(1):

1. Beautiful

   Dan & Matthew, Thank you for sharing your story with us, I am sure it is inspiring to gay military and their loved ones. Best wishes from so many of us I am sure for a long and wonderfully happy relationship. Delena I hope there will be follow ups with them as their bravery must be very encouraging I am sure to so many gays who just feel invisible in the military. Best, Jeff Cobb (8+ Years with my love, Wilbert.)

   Friday, December 04, 2009 Jeffrey