Answers From Angel
 
Dear Angel,
 
I am loyal reader to West Virginia Queer News. I really would like to just get to know you in week one. I read that your column was coming. So, could you just tell us about yourself and what you can bring to the magazine. It is quite established and I look forward to every edition. I hope that you will stick with it, because we love staples in the community. Hope to read your reply and thoughts in Wednesdays edition.
                                                                                           Robin in Roanoke, VA

 
Dear Robin (in Roanoke, VA),

I'm not quite sure exactly what information you're wanting me to share with you.  If I go off in completely the wrong direction, just let me know. 
 
I am new to the area and was introduced to the West Virginia Queer News website by a nice man I met in the chat room named Bryce.  I think having a central location for information about the local gay community is a wonderful idea, and fell in love with the website.  I have always had an interest in advice columns and upon reading the one that was there, I emailed Terry and asked how many people worked on the column.  I offered my services in any way he might see fit.
 
Having much free time and being new to the area I feel that I could offer an alternative prospective.  I feel my background may be somewhat different than many others giving an alternative view of topics, added with the fact that I very much enjoy research of any subject! 

A little about myself: 
 
I am 18 years old, originally born in Chicago.  I lived in Chicago with my parents until the age of 9.  At that era in my life a big change happened.  Both my parents were killed in an Amtrak train accident.  I was sent to live with my Grandmother in Arlington Virginia.  So from age 9 to 18, I was raised in Arlington by my Grandmother.  She was a very religious person and didn't show much affection.  My parents were very affectionate with me, so this was a disturbing change.  She never really hugged me or told me that she loved me, but she did provide me with shelter and she told me lots of stories about various things in her life.  She also taught me how to care for myself.  She loved me in her own way. 

My Grandmother sent me to a private Christian school.  I had a pretty interesting time in school and I must say one of the most important things I learned there is not to judge others. 
 
This easily became a way of life for me.  I keep a very open mind when talking to people about anything, I can easily see their point of view.  Even if its a subject that I may disagree with personally, I can put myself in their shoes and see it from their side.  I really enjoy being able to do this, and I feel that everyone should.  I get disturbed when people argue over political views and religion, and then in the gay community, there is a whole other set of topics that tend to get touchy. 
 
Sex and relationships seem to be one of the more common ones.  I think it's ok to disagree, but it's also ok to be different.  Diversity is the thing that makes us all unique, and we should all embrace it and just have a love for our community and the people in it.  I also have a love for the planet in general and think that everyone should at least try and do their part.  We really need to recycle as much as we can and try and use less energy when we can.  I believe that we can make a difference if we just become a little more aware of things around us.

I made some great friends while in school.  My best friend Jessica is the reason I ended up in West Virginia.  She moved here to go to Marshall.  I knew as soon as my trust fund released to my control upon turning 18, I would be moving out of my Grandmother's home. 
 
My trust fund is a combination of my parent's life insurance and payments from Amtrak.  My friend Jessica is like a sister to me, so I followed her.  I looked around Huntington, but decided on living in Saint Albans.  I instantly fell in love with the charm of the town. 
 
Currently, I am renting and I just bought my first car.  My goals are to build up my credit, buy a home and start a family.  I am currently not working and not in school, but that will come in time.  I want to settle in first, maybe doing things in reverse of the norm.  I'd rather buy my own place first and then decide what I want to go to school for, then get a job.  Somewhere in all of this I'd love to meet my life partner and start a family. 

I hope this wasn't too long, and I thank you for taking the time to read it.  If there is anything more specific you want to know, just email me anytime!

Peace,
Angel Lopez
 
 
**The Beliefs and advice in this column are meant for entertainment purposes only and are not necessarily the views of West Virginia's Queer News.  Please seek professional assistance for any serious problem that is impacting your life.