Thomas Simpson

I struggled with depression from the age of 12 to almost 50. Much of it had to do with growing up gay in the South & being made to think that was a sin. Around the age of 21, I realized it wasn't, but there was no way I could tell most of my family & friends until I was in my 40's. Small town S.C. wasn't very hospitable to openly gay people, even though I joked that if my town had a Pride parade of everyone in the closet, the town square would be packed.

I had suicidal thoughts so many times. I got as far as putting a gun to my head. My maternal grandfather had killed himself, & I saw how that hurt my Mama. I couldn't do that to her & the rest of my family. I tried my best to kill myself through alcohol, but instead of killing me, it just gave me a Widowmaker heart attack & multiple amputations on my left leg. I'm 8 years sober. 

The picture is of me (in glasses) with 3 of my best friends, The Hardys & Shelby Goodwin. It was through Matt & Jeff that I met Sonya Sasser. We have been friends for almost 30 years. The love for all of her 'OMEGA boys' has always been unconditional, & she has done so much for all of us. God blessed me the day I met her, she always shows me His love. God bless Black Fowlcan & its ministries. 

Thomas Simpson 

Mathematics Professor & Pro Wrestling Promoter

Abbeville, SC