Not Your Average “Scholar of the Soul”
(An Ode To Jordan Bach)
March 6, 2012
There is a new champion in my life. His name is Jordan Bach.
Self-described “Writer, Champion For Gays, Idealist Without Illusions”, Jordan Bach is already a star, in the truest sense of what a star should be…shining brightly while illuminating the paths of those who follow. His writing shows a wise maturity far beyond his 25 years. His Twitter posts often rival fine poetry, while still being current and memorable. His blog, “The Bach Book” —dubbed “the best gay spirituality blog on the web”—is like a gay man’s impressionist painting of ideas, mixed with Love, Hope and Dignity. And you need not be a religious person to relate to his comments on all things “Divine”.
During my own search for meaning (at its peak, this past year) I stumbled upon a few “tweets” from Jordan and I found something in their tone to be exactly what I needed to hear. The words were powerful, but not noisy. There was a calmness to them, and a level of poetic truth that I never dreamed of finding on Twitter…or anywhere else. I realized that I needed to change my way of thinking or I would never be a happy person.
So I took a closer look at all of Jordan’s blog entries, carefully reading every single word that he had written…including the scores of quotes from his “quote file” that beautifully complement his own writing. Quotes from Walt Whitman, Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Rumi, Alice Walker, James Baldwin, Osho, Carl Jung…and many more. “Scholar of the Soul”, indeed! By the time I was finished reading, I felt as though I had been hugged by someone who completely understood me. And I was crying…but with a huge sense of relief. A locked door had finally blown open.
When someone learns to communicate big ideas, without ever sounding “preachy”, then he has become more than just a writer. There is no question that Jordan Bach is destined for greatness. As far as I am concerned, he is already there. Without a doubt he will find fame, although he doesn’t come across as a person who needs it. His Facebook page already boasts thousands of subscribers. And just last week he posted a wonderful YouTube video (his very first) entitled “God Loves Gays”, displaying his strong, confident voice and movie-star looks. It was like watching a seasoned news anchor discussing spirituality and gay issues from the perspective of someone who actually “walks the walk”.
That said…I urge all young gay men (and hopefully their straight allies) to allow Jordan Bach into their own lives. Check out:
On Tumblr.: http://www.thebachbook.tumblr.com
On Twitter: @JordanBach
Note: this is in fact my official “coming out” letter. This is for me… There is no looking back…and no reason to. Jordan Bach has shown me so much, without even knowing it. His words have made it easy for me to say “I am gay”…with pride and acceptance.
Thanks Jordan. I owe you one.
Sincerely,
Bruce Wheeler
On Twitter: @capitalBruce