"The Man That Is Me" (Original Song)

This is a song that I wrote back in October 2010 in response to the increased suicide rate amongst LGBT youth in America.

I apply the positive turn the song takes at the end to my uncle, Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach's victory in securing his employment and retirement from the U.S. Air Force despite the threat of discharge under the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy that he was confronted with and that loomed over him for close to 2 years. Early discharge under the policy would have stripped him of his full pension and benefits before his expected September 2011 retirement. However, with his courageous efforts, backed by the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, and the subsequent repeal of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, he will see retirement, after 20 years of service, this fall.

I hope that you enjoy this draft of "The Man That Is Me."

Please note:
This video was initially made to be shared at the SGI-USA's annual LGBT conference, held at the Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC). I kept the video private for its first few weeks on YouTube, but I have not amended any of its content since opening it up to the entire YouTube community. Thus, if there are any questions about what "Myo ho ren ge kyo" means, or if you want further information about the SGI-USA, please visit its official website: www.sgi-usa.org/

© 2011 Austin Fehrenbach

Category:

Music

Tags:

• original song
• Austin Fehrenbach
• Soka University of America
• Soka
• Soka Gakkai
• GLBT
• GLBTQ
• LGBT
• anthem
• SGI-USA
• Soka Gakkai International