"What does 'gay hockey' mean to DJ?"

Having In-line hockey influence in my younger life (6+ years) and tasting Ice-hockey (briefly in college), while having no 'formal training', I allowed myself to settle with the conclusion, that I would likely, never play again. The circumstances would have to mitigate my fears of inexperience and nurture my level of assertiveness to 'suit-up', and take to the rink again.

'Gay hockey' is merely one doorway of tolerance that I have actively sought in my life, but have never before seen, nor heard of. Having recently removed myself from the reaches of my Family and Core-support network, to move to the Midwest, I have found myself 'floundering' and 'unmotivated' to pursue many aspects of Self-expression. The activities that once cultivated great happiness and 'peace-of-mind' to my Self, incorporating both mental and physical fitness have been waiting for an opportunity that resonates with who I am choosing to express my Self as.

Not having any attachment to the appearance of how 'community' could manifest, and including recent Life-experiences, having lived in the Madison area since March of 2006 -- I have slowly, but assuredly begun to actively reach out and participate within the Madison-area LGBTQA Community, and affiliated organizations. I feel that I am experiencing a sense of 'family', moreso than a mere sense of 'community, which also projects a conscious message that I resonate with at this time in my life.

When I 'came out' in my early 20's, I spent much of my time socially secluded to less athletically inclined hobbies and work. I have spent a good portion of My life, trying to 'figure myself out' and gain some semblance of assertiveness. It wasn't until the doorways of Our Lives Magazine (through which I was introduced to The Madison Gay Hockey Association) that I have finally recognized and embraced a more wholesome Self-image and respect for mySelf.

So, when I process the question: "What does 'gay hockey' mean to DJ?" I cannot help, but simply answer - FAMILY, Home, Truth, Joy, Love, Laughter, Wisdom, Respect, Honesty, Acceptance, Growth, Inspiration, Hope, [I'm]-Possible, and ultimately a fuller experience and expression of who I AM. 'Gay hockey' means, every sunday I am surrounded by loved ones - 'playing hockey'.

'Gay hockey' has been the catalyst that has unconsciously brought me to my Self. And regardless of who I choose to express mySelf as, or where I choose to journey next - I will always hold the utmost gratitude and respect for what 'gay hockey' has done for me.