Melissa

Yesterday I found out that Melissa Etheridge is finally touring in Australia next year, the tickets going on sale next week. I'm so excited, but it seems so trivial to just say that I love her, and her music, or that I idolise the woman.

There is so much more than that.

When I was 12 years old, my life was set to change forever. I realised that I was a lesbian, I realised at the same time that my life would not be an easy road to travel ... I was gay, living in a small country town where near half the population were cousins or other such relatives, being brought up to believe in the beliefs of the Mormon religion. I found the voice and music and the amazing strength of Melissa Etheridge.

Since then, I have leant on her, cried with her and found a companion in a stranger who has helped me to believe in myself and even more importantly, despite the trials I have been put against in my life, after all of that I still believe in this world, and love and happiness!

Thank you Melissa, I can't wait to pay tribute to you in person

Neen