Stephen Gately

When I was a teenager, I was (and still am) a huge fan of pop music- but most of all the songwriters behind popular like Carol King, Deborah Gibson and The Beatles to name a few. Songwriters have a unique gift in music making that I appreciate hugely. The ability to not only bring poetic justice to words- but also to create a body of music and lyrics that can ultimately be classic, mainstream, and most of all relevant to the times- is a gift.

These people are the unsung hero's- the "man behind the curtain" so to speak - and if they are talented enough - the voice as well. A triple threat in my opinion to be able to sing, write and arrange a song that can be - moving. Beautiful.

Today another one of the talented army of singers, songwriters and genuinely good people passed away at 33. His name is Stephen Gately. Stephen wasn't grand like Michael Jackson or a pioneer like Carol King- but in his own right- significant and to me important.

Stephen is one part of a UK Pop group called Boyzone. The group is huge in the Uk and Stephen in his own right has accomplished many awards, and conquered stage and film- and of course the music industry. In 1999, Stephen shocked the music world when he came out of the closet and in 2006 he married his boyfriend Andrew Cowles in a civil union.

What makes Stephen a figure in my life is not that he's a singer, or that he's gay, or that he's a celebrity- but because he is a man that "lived life on his own terms and according to the way he wanted to be happy- no matter what people said."

That my friends is the purpose of this very blog- being true to yourself- no matter what people say. The reason I wear Vans to a Gucci party (as figurative and truthful as that is) - is because- life is about being who you are- and NOT what people tell you to be.

Stephen and I are the same age- and it is shocking to me to be reminded that life can end any day. This in itself is a call to action- to live life to its fullest. To be fearless and to not waste a single moment thinking about what you could do- and just do it!

I mourn the passing of Stephen - but celebrate the life he lead and the example he set for young gay men like me.

Rest in peace Stephen- your music will live on in my heart and life. To his husband Andrew- you are in my prayers and know your loss is not in vain. Stephen brought life, love, music and inspiration to many people in this world.

*Note: I added one of his song to my playlist for you to enjoy. The name of the song is "I Believe"- a great song that speaks to how people should live their life each day. After is a song from his group Boyzone called "No Matter What"- also with great relevance.