I wanted to focus on individuals who, aside from the difficulties that have risen in their lives, demonstrate or have demonstrated inspiring strength. I want to focus on individuals who identify as part of the LGBT community and were unafraid to move forward toward their goals with pride.

One of those individuals is Tennessee Williams, and American playwright who has become one of my favorites. I was lucky enough to be introduced to some of his work through a few English classes at the university. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and A Streetcar Named Desire are some of his well-known works. I spent three years in high school working backstage in theaters, and have had a continued love of all performance arts ever since, particularly his. His works have won the Pulitzer Prize in Drama and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

His work has been inspirational, and after reading up on Williams, I learned that he had a troubled life with his sister Rose, who suffered from brain surgery complications that left her incapacitated for the rest of her life.

Williams's relationship with Frank Merlo lasted from 1947 until Merlo's death from cancer in 1963. Merlo gave him the inspiration to write some of his most popular works and helped to support him through many of his episodes of depression.

When the New York Times ran an article Tennesse Williams after the completion of his memoirs, Williams talked about the ability for him to write about the opposite sex. Williams said, “It's bad criticism to say I can't put an authentic female character on stage," he continued. "A true faggot does not like my women. I do not have a faggot, a homosexual, a gay, audience. I write for an audience.”

The Times reporter Mel Gussow asked if his homosexuality had influenced his writing, he said: "I think it matters, but I'm not sure. To ad lib an answer would be dangerous. Part two of my memoirs will deal very much with that problem." Savoring the question, he said, firmly, "One cannot exclude the important influence of sexuality."

The importance of the influence of sexuality on our daily lives is something we should keep in mind, regardless of orientation. Every part that makes us up shouldn’t be ignored. While his personal life was not without challenges, the honesty in both his writing and in life is part of the reason why I enjoy his it so much.