Author: ctfuqua

I see life as full of possibilities and the world full of beautiful people possessing unique and often untapped talents. I’m a learner and connector, seeking ways to leverage the abundance in this world through strong community.

Self Discovery….A constant process of living, and learning.


I am a creative, mindful empath who believes in abundance, in seeing one another’s’ gifts… I also know that hurting people hurt, so I’m working to grow in discernment on when I invest in relationships, and when I walk away. I’m working on being vulnerable, creating safety, embracing fun and listening intently. But I can go from 0 to bitch in 2.3 seconds…and for that, I ask for forgiveness as I try to grow. I’m learning also to live in the grey, ambiguity of the ? 

I accept serenity with courage and wisdom that comes from grace.

Discovering what works…my recovery program


I have struggled quite honestly since I first hit bottom in 2009 to get more than about 14 months of clean time as defined by the 12 step recovery groups.

With the recent help of some trusted friends, my higher power, some experiences with relapse, and some other lessons, I’m beginning to see that for me, I need more than “the rooms” can offer me…at least at this stage of my life.

The twelve-step programs have a definite place in recovery and work for some people as a “life plan.” Even for myself, they served a purpose during a the critical phase of my recovery, when I was learning to live life “on life’s terms.” But, I’m beginning to understand they fall short of what I want and need now.  So, I’m finding my own “voice,” and my own “recovery program.”

Quite simply, for me, life is more about living in the gray. Things are not as simple or neatly defined as one finds in the very “fundamentalist” worldview of 12 step groups. I’ve already lived through the painful disappointment of a rigid, dogmatic Christian “cult” when I was in college.  Again, it served as a useful “crutch” during a traumatic period of loss, while my parents were going through a divorce.  Back then, the Christian group on campus gave me structure and instant “community” – though in the long run, their worldview was very black and white, right and wrong – with little room for independent thinking and diversity.  So as a gay man, I left — and watched as every single relationship turned their back on me because of my choice to come out of the closet.

What I’ve come to realize is the 12 step process was beginning to give me the same heartache and disappointment.  I’ve been really frustrated and let down, because what I’ve heard from people in the rooms and their demonstrated practice have not matched up.  I heard expectations from them about what they would do in times of need – yet in those times of need, I found little support, friendship or understanding.

As with the teachings of the Christian campus group, there is still much that agree with and can use going forward.  So, I don’t want to throw everything out with the bath water.  I can try some things on – if they work for me, then they become a part of my belief system.  But, if they don’t work for me, I can reject them and move on…and that’s okay.

It’s called finding my voice, coming up with my guiding principles, discovering myself…which ultimately is what MY recovery is about. I lost myself in work, relationships, and ex-pat living.  I don’t want to “lose myself” to another external organization and philosophy.  Instead, I want to learn from others, but determine my own path.

The beauty about rediscovering yourself is you get to do it over and over.  And that’s exciting and scary – but more aligned with where this recovery person wants to be.  It’s a little more fluid and messy at times – but in my experience, that’s life.

The other important thing for me to remember is this doesn’t mean that other people are wrong and that I’m right.  It just means that I found what has worked for me, just for today.  It’s about living in the gray, it’s about asking questions, it’s about being open to changing beliefs when they no longer work for me until I find the handful of principles that are my “truths” by which I choose to live.

An Open Letter To Married Men Carrying On With Gay Relationships On The Side


Though I’m far from perfect when it comes to anonymous sex, infidelity and confusing sexual relationships, I recently took a stand with a friend that I felt compelled to share here (toned down, with names removed to protect those involved.)

As background, this friend has been married to a woman for the past 25+ years, with a son who is starting college.  About 5 years ago, he “tapped” into his dormant sexual attraction to men and has acted out on the side on a regular basis with various combinations of single men and male couples (“friends with benefits.”).  In discussing his situation, he has made comments like “I would never leave my wife at this point after 25+ years of marriage…” and “If I were to leave her, I’d probably never enter into a relationship with a man because I don’t believe two men can be in a monogamous relationship because after all…they are men.  We are just sexual beings.”  I guess he figured he could continue having his cake and eating it too, so to speak —  maintaining the “heterosexual” image that society accepts, while pursuing friendships and sexual relations with men on the side.  But, after being single for several years, struggling with my own sexuality in the past (but eventually coming to terms…), and knowing the ongoing debate around marriage, I felt compelled to finally speak up.  I hope for his sake that he finds resolution one way or the other, and doesn’t continue to lie to his family, himself, society…and undermine the potential for a healthy, monogamous relationship between two men (or two women) through his own actions and hypocrisy.

I don’t know if he considers himself bisexual or homosexual, but for the record – I actually believe in bisexuality…that sexual attraction and intimacy exists on a spectrum.  And, I imagine, it may even change for an individual over time…or at least their awareness and self-acceptance may change over time.  And, I acknowledge that we all have a journey to come out.  But, he didn’t seem that compelled to make any changes, and for that, I couldn’t stand silent.

These were my parting words:

Since you trashed gay relationships and said two men were a lot less likely to be faithful then a heterosexual couple because….they are men. Let’s get real dude.

Clean your own house. You made a commitment, for better or worse. If you’re not happy now because your sexual orientation has been awakened and you now need the affection of a man, do the honorable thing and get a divorce.  Your wife is not in denial (well, she may be, but you’re contributing to that state…you’re misleading her, and for that I’m sad.) She wants to believe that you’re the man she married. You’re lying to her and that’s not her fault. You’re not sparing her the pain. You’re only prolonging it. It’s not fair to her.

How dare you imply two men can’t keep a relationship monogamous. It’s because the laws designed by hypocrites like you exclude us from being legitimized, while you run around and act out however you want.  Since we gay men and women can’t get married in this State (yet…), I’d at least appreciate it if those of you who can get married would respect the honor and integrity of the vows that we don’t have the right to make.

And if you feel judged, that’s your own guilt. But yes. I think what you’re doing to your family is selfish and wrong, and gives us gays a bad name – if only indirectly, in passing conversation, or in your own mind/bias. No wonder homophobia exists today (including my own internalized homophobia and bias..) – society tells me everywhere that what I feel is wrong, bad, degenerate, unhealthy…if you hear that long enough, you start to believe it.  Until you believe in yourself enough to stand up for truth and integrity….


I think of my friends Alan and Paul, Amy and Cathy, Mike and Jeff, Mike and Mark, Todd and Duane, Alan and Dave, etc. etc. who have chosen a family of their own, out and proud for the world to see.  And then, I think of this infidelity on the backside, tearing us down and judging our ability to make the same level of commitment that a heterosexual couple does.  I’ll tolerate growth and experimentation in one’s journey of coming out, but I draw the line at self-hatred and internalized homophobia.  I choose to be around folks who, though far from perfect, strive for authenticity and integrity as best we can, amidst all the mixed messages and challenges we face…

Sorry for my anger…I feel like I’m back in college, taking a stand for basic gay rights.  And perhaps I should be more supportive and tolerant of my friend who is perhaps simply struggling.  But just for today, I have different needs…and with my own struggles, need more support and integrity than I do deceit and hypocrisy.