She Helped Me Find My Path

Every so often, when someone exposes their life, their struggle, their path through life, it helps another person through the struggles they face. For me, Erin Hamilton was that person.

With the implosion of my life in 2000, I started questioning everything in my life that I’d taken for granted was my truth. For the next few years, I struggled to find out who I was, where I wanted to go, and how I should get there. I’d spent a lifetime of running away from my sexuality, my gender dysphoria, and anything else that made me different from the majority of society.

In May of 2002 I was shuffling through the magazines at OUTward Bound bookstore, a copy of the latest Advocate caught my eye. A beautifully tattooed woman adorned the front cover . The words leapt up off the page. “The Bisexual Daughter of Carol Burnett.” I have to admit, I bought the magazine totally on primal instinct… I WANTED THE DISH. But as I immersed myself in the interview with Erin Hamilton, a different image started to take shape. One of a battle worn woman, with the scars to prove each skirmish. One paragraph jolted me with its simplistic beauty.

“It’s interesting, I’ve always had boyfriends. I enjoy being with women, but it has got to be the right person. It’s like, OK [laughs], I’m a people person, and I don’t care if you are male or female—if I find a soul that I connect with, then I’m going to do that and I’m going to be there.”

Wow. Just love who you feel a connection with… simply love.

In view of the glaring public eye, most bisexual celebrities don’t tend to celebrate or expose their sexual orientation to the general public. Seeing Erin be so open, and OK with her sexuality helped me to rid myself of the anxiety about my sexual orientation.

That was what, 4 years ago now? I’m quite at home in my body, my mind, and my sexuality. Over last few years, Erin’s 15 minutes of fame seemed to fade into the fog of times past. I’ve made a few inquiries about what’s ever happened to her, to no avail. I’m sure she’s off raising her son, living life her way. If you ever happen upon this Erin, thank you. Without even knowing it, you took my hand, and helped me to heal. You helped a struggling human being find her way. Thank you.