Lyle was my favorite cousin.
He was in the Navy, he was smart, and he was gay.
He got AIDS in the 80’s, he lived in DC and was a part of the initial trials for AZT.
At that time the dosages were experimental, a lot was learned during the trial.
Lyle gave his life to help others. As a result, he is a hero for many.
His inspiration lives on. He lived out loud. He wore his flip flops proud.
So many of his sisters wanted him to be straight because he was such a good looking man.
Eventually after many blind dates, he told his sisters,
“Please stop setting me up for blind dates because you know what I like.”
I loved him for being true to himself. Inviting others to see him for who he was,
Thus inspiring the need for each of us to be seen for who we are.
Our fearlessness to stand up is the reason we are here. You are the Brightest Star.