I am the Explorer. The wonders all around inspire me to set out on my own adventure. I have been many places and seen many things. Yes I have a map, but as you can see it is yet unfinished, there is always more to see and more to learn. (Unroll my map and show it around)

“Who am I”, you ask? “And where have I been?”

I rode with Odysseus on his many adventures as he sailed home to Ithaca. And nightly I travel with Ra as his barge journeys through the underworld.

I was with Ponce de Leon as he searched for the Fountain of Youth. And I traveled with Orpheus as he entered Hades to find his love.

When I was in the north with Thor and Loki we had many adventures throughout the nine worlds. And I was with the Rover for the Shin’a’in as they claimed the Dhorisha Plains for their own at the end of the Mage Wars.

And it is not just the outer worlds I have explored; the inner landscape is fascinating as well. I hung with Odin for 9 days on the world ash tree to gain wisdom. And I was with Neo as he awoke and came to understand the Matrix.

As members of the gay community you are walking into new territory. We stand on the front lines of society looking to the future and all the possibilities it holds. I was the first to come out of the closet, taking those first strides to wholeness. I am also within the leather community, the veteran sub who knows his way around the dungeon, but is always looking for new experiences.

I am the survivor. I have seen the bad along with the good. I know that to be marked as positive is not the end of the world. It is only the opening of a new doors and new paths to explore.

There are many ways you can manifest my energies. Anytime you step out of your comfort zone, I am there. When you commit yourself to a goal, but aren’t sure how you will get there I am there. When you take on a new role, I am there, helping you learn and grow. Anytime you step onto a new path in the journey of self-discovery I am there.

Most importantly as you learn what it means to be you, I am there. Each of you has their own path to walk, because each of you is unique. Each of you is an Explorer in a new world because no one sees the world in exactly the same way. Look to your right, now look to your left each of these men are also Explorers, each one ready to share their experiences and differences.

I am He who inspires you to take the first steps on your own journey of exploration. Yes, the unknown can be frightening, but know that I am with you. I offer my courage to bolster your own. No matter where you go, I will walk beside you. Let us explore together!