ROAD TO THE MEDIA AWARDS: Judge David Young

Judge David Young will be presenting at the South Florida GLAAD Media Awards on April 12th.  

He recently did a Q & A with Ramon Johnson over at the Gay Life section of About.com, offering insight into his experience of the courtroom -- plus his tip on how he's managed a 13-year relationship with his partner!  Enjoy the interview excerpt below, then head over to About.com for the full text.

------------------------------------------------------------

You’re an openly gay judge on national television. What does that mean to you?
     Having a voice and being a role model for GLBT youth and their parents is crucial. It’s the only way we’re going to demystify the stereotype that we’re all a bunch of leather queens or that we ride in gay pride floats wearing boas with our rear ends sticking out. Some of us do that and God bless them for doing it, but there are others of us who are lawyers and doctors and hold positions of power in all spheres of government and business.
     I think it’s a wonderful opportunity if GLBT kids can watch me on a daily basis and say, “Hey I can do this. I will do this. Look at Judge David. His sexual orientation has never been an obstacle for him.”  We need role models. Anything is possible if you work hard for it. One’s sexual orientation should not be an impediment to success.