Hello Steemit! I would love to introduce myself to all your wonderful faces.

I often define who I am by what I am currently doing. Then again, I use my past experiences to explain my ways as well. When I meet new people, they do not get my full story right away. So it is fair that neither do you. :) I would say you are more than welcome to come visit me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulearlstagg. Here is my current profile image as well.

If I am lucky enough to meet any of you in person I can sometimes blurt out the phrase: "I am Paul Stagg the fag, now you will never forget my name!" People tend to have that little nervous laugh but most people are shocked. I don't carry myself as a stereotypical gay man, so it is always fun to correct peoples biased views on what homosexuality is. Over the years I have developed a keen sense of who I am as a person. I can contribute this development to one event in my history.

It's story time people, so sit back and enjoy!

On November 13, 2009, I was at my computer in my student housing room at University at Buffalo (UB) when I received a text. It was my ex-girlfriend. Girlfriend!? WHAT?? Anyway. She tells me horrible news. In fact the most devastating news of my life. She tells me my friend John is dead. His name is NOT John, but that is the name I will be using. She tells me he was in car accident and was found dead at the scene. Truly the most unlucky Friday the 13th ever. I wasn't in the mindset to talk with her. Thanked her for telling me, and stopped messaging her. Soon after this my aunt calls me and tells me the same thing. Now I had to believe that it happened. John is dead. My secret love is dead.

For the first time in my life I truly felt alone. Someone that important to me has passed away and I couldn't tell anyone. Some of my family knew he was my friend but no one knew just how close he was to me. It's like someone locked me in my closet that I had been slowly creeping out of since 2006. My first semester at UB now seemed impossible to continue. I cared about no one. I cared about nothing. I cried every night for a little more than a year. It honestly felt good to. During that year though it was painfully clear I needed to tell someone. Since that moment I haven't looked back. I will always be honest about who I am. I don't want to be that alone ever again.

I choose this story to introduce myself in most situations. It is what defines me in this present day. The story of John and I goes far beyond that moment, as you could imagine. After that I lost more people I love. My Grandfather, my great uncle, my uncle, and my cousin. Cancer, diabetes, alcoholism, suicide respectively. My truth and my stories I hope inspire others or at the very least keep you company for a short time.

I always hope to be good listener, and to hopefully provide what was lacking in my life. As I now have reached 30 years old, I do not feel old. I still feel in my heart the day I saw John's smile. I still feel the the same way as my grandfather tried talking to me about the birds and the bees. I smile through it all. Who I am, I think, will always be defined by my stories. Because my stories help me connect with others. I have so many to share. I hope we can share our stories together.

Live long and prosper my new community of friends. :)