When I stepped onto the stage, grabbed the microphone and said, “Hi. I’ thought coming out as a gay man was difficult. When I came out as a standup comic, that was a killer. “

People said you’re going to have such a hard life. Well, I already had a crazy tough life.” Were those my fightn’ words. Was doing standup the first time I stood up for myself? Was I standing up for all the sissies in the world? Exposing my vulnerabilities to a mob of people daring me to make them laugh. Did I really think that sticks and stones may break my bones, but words were never hurt me. But I was gutted by words. And now I could take revenge. I could grab their throats and make them laugh. I wanted to believe I had that power. Finally. I would win with fightn’ words.