Following my dreams into 2013

It has been ten years since I made the move from Northern Michigan to Chicago for my big career change as a full time lecturer on LGBTQ Issues to colleges and universities. When I announced to my friends and colleagues that I was going to be moving to Chicago to pursue a speaking career, it was not a shock to anyone at all. I left my seven year position in Student Affairs as Director of Residence Life & Student Activities at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey, Michigan on June 2003. I was signed on right away to Bass/Schuler Entertainment based in Chicago, IL. They are the #1 nationally rated agency according to Campus Activities Magazine.

I have been doing this type of work now for a total of 20 years. My goal in college was to be a speech/theater teacher, which I did for a while, but my true calling came after some deep soul searching and inspiration. I get asked all the time how my career began lecturing to higher education communities. My inner drive to be the proud gay man I am today began out of encouragement to join a gay and lesbian group at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, MI. To be honest, the first meeting I attended scared the hell out of me. I was afraid of being discovered and being out. A year later at C.M.U., I found myself speaking with a panel of LGBT students in front of a social problems class. Although a great experience, I look back and chuckle as I never want anyone to think myself or others were a social problem.

I believe my career as a public speaker comes from the very core of who I am. I would have had an easier time coming out when I was younger and dealing with self esteem issues had a mentor been there for me. I really needed to know that what I was feeling was fine and that I could live a life of not being in fear of who I am. The imagery I had of being gay as a young teen growing up was not positive or affirming. There is a time in your life when you know what is right and where you fit in. I feel that now. As with most things, my journey has been long and challenging. Now when I share my story and listen to others while being a mentor, supportive, inclusive and embracing the community, I have left the world a bit better.

With a new year, exciting experiences are coming my way in writing a new chapter in my life. I had the opportunity to meet Gary and Larry Lane in November of 2011. The twins, both gay were in Chicago promoting their hit documentary, "Hollywood to Dollywood" during the Reeling Film Festival. I was introduced to them by singer, recording artist, and friend Amy Armstrong. Gary & Larry and I hit it off well and before we knew it, we were talking about combining efforts for a lecture tour that would promote acceptance and inclusion. After a lot of telephone and Skype meetings with a plan of what we wanted to do, it has all become a wonderful reality.

This year, 2013 will launch a one of a kind lecture tour on the campuses of colleges and universities that is unique and original. The Follow Your Dreams; The Acceptance and Inclusion Tour have joined the forces of Emmy Award winning Actor & Playwright, Leslie Jordan , Actor, Producer and Activist, Chad Allen (pictured), actors and the producers of, "Hollywood to Dollywood", Gary & Larry Lane , and me, a national LGBTQ lecturer, advocate and writer.

The lecture will focus on the challenges and obstacles all of us have followed to pursue our dreams. The one of a kind program is filled with stories of coming out, bullying, acceptance, inclusion and community that will tug at your heart, motivate the audience, but also leave them laughing! It's a program for all audiences with a message of compassion and being the best you can be. Speaking for everyone in the tour, we are so fortunate to have connected and looking forward in sharing hope, dreams and so much more for our gay and straight audiences.

Looking back to how this journey started for me with a very unconventional career, I am left feeling grateful, humbled, and full of pride knowing it is a huge responsibility representing the community. My wish for everyone is to find the work you want to do that feeds your passion and your soul. It's an amazing feeling. Grab those gifts that present themselves to you and go with it. Your life will forever be changed.

For more information on The Follow Your Dreams: The Acceptance and Inclusion Tour check out: www.gregrbaird.com.