What happens when you mix love and sex and the fear of exposure?

It can sometimes result in murder. In this episode three cases of love turned to murder. On February 17th 2022, the twenty year olds Philadelphians, Naasire Johnson and Kylen Pratt’s secret relationship would end in murder. The brutality of the crime would leave loved ones bereft and heartbroken.

In Methuen, Massachusetts, 41-year-old Willie Escobar’s attempt to end his long relationship with a closeted man would end in murder. Would Escobar’s other relationships with closeted men complicate solving his murder?

In 2015, a 27th floor of a high-rise Atlanta, Georgia condo would be the setting for the end of a high-stakes love affair between two married men leaving one man dead and the other on the run. Being in the closet increases the chances of depression, suicidal idealization, and substance abuse.

I choose these cases because these extremes can be enlightening for folks living in less extreme circumstances. If you’re struggling with your sexual identity there are resources to help you. You deserve to live a life free of self-hatred and fear.

You deserve to be happy.

Resources: Human Rights Commission. A great resource for making a plan.

https://reports.hrc.org/coming-out-living-authentically-as-lgb Trevor Project.

They have a hotline, an online chat, and an email. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/