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Gay writer spreads hope
By Casey Bell
For Bryan Edney, the death of both his mother and grandmother in a two-week period was a turning point.
The 38-year-old out Philadelphia native-cum- motivational speaker and writer overcame depression and despair to spread his message of hope and perseverance.
Edney’s latest endeavor to empower those overcoming adversity is his book ''Filling in the Empty Spaces: My Story of Faith and Spiritual Self-Discovery'' (AuthorHouse).
The author, who has a bachelor’s from La Salle University and a master’s from California State University, will discuss his work and sign copies at 5 p.m. Feb. 17 at Giovanni’s Room Bookstore, 345 S. 12th St.
''I’m really looking forward to being able to spread some goodwill in my hometown where it all began,'' he said.
''The book is really about a gay man on a spiritual journey,'' said Edney. ''It’s about believing that the impossible can become possible, and that it’s our thoughts about ourselves and our surroundings that affect our own outcomes. You can change your life if you believe in yourself. There’s a brighter day, but it really begins with your own thoughts.''
The author attributes his positive outlook to great figures throughout history.
''I’ve been able to stand on the shoulders of greatness,'' he said. ''When you look at people like Bayard Rustin and Audre Lorde, they were able to make a real difference and overcome adversities. I’m very motivated by their stories. If they could accomplish everything they did without the Internet or self-help books or therapists, then I can do the same thing. It’s about making a daily choice to not be held down by the past.''
Edney said that while the book does deal with spirituality, it’s not targeted towards religious readers.
''Religion is very much about dos and don’ts — it controls people. But spirituality means that there’s no difference in gender or race or orientation. It’s a tie that binds us together as creations of the creator,'' he said. ''The book doesn’t embrace a particular religion or institution, but it conveys the idea that we’re all a part of the same human experience.''
It was important for Edney as a gay man to reach out to members of his community.
''I came across men and women in my life who had been held back by the pain of their pasts,'' he said. ''With this book, I wanted to let people know that it’s OK and that there’s nothing wrong with going through these experiences and feeling pain. But they need to allow themselves to shed the old skin of the past and walk towards the light of the future. There are so many issues that arise with coming out and seeking self-acceptance. It was necessary for me to say that I’ve been through that pain and the joy that comes after releasing that pain is incomparable.''
Edney explained that it was especially important for his message to reach the African-American GLBT community.
''It’s necessary that our stories be heard,'' he said. ''Also, men in any community are hesitant to express their feelings and allow themselves to show vulnerability and pain. I think this book will serve as inspiration to brothers and sisters who can’t see the light. I’m a testimonial that you can see and live in the light after going through negative experiences.''
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