This was in Kempsville, Va., a suburb of Norfolk. I earned enough merit badges to reach the rank of Eagle.
I became a patrol leader, a senior patrol leader, and eventually a junior assistant scoutmaster. It gave me confidence and social skills, friends and responsibilities. But being a scout got me out of myself and into the world.
I was also gay, although I didn't know it yet. I was a bookish, introverted kid, shy and withdrawn, unhappy and easily bullied.
