How Love Came in an Unexpected Way

International author and success coach Mike Iamele came to Eastern Connecticut State University on March 11 to tell his story of how he — a self-proclaimed straight man — found love with another man.

Iamele had a life-changing experience in 2011. Looking at himself in the mirror, he wondered why he was alive. From that moment forward, he made a promise to himself that he would find happiness and love. Shortly after, Iamele got sick. “I was puking blood,” Iamele said. “My pancreas was failing; the doctors thought I was on course for pancreatic cancer or type two diabetes, but within two months, I made a full recovery.”

During those two months, he began to look at his male best friend differently. He soon realized that he was in love with him. He wrote about his love life, not expecting people to respond with such interest. “This is not something I wanted to be thrust into the spotlight for; I just wanted love,” said Iamele.

Iamele disregards any labels. He is not “gay” or “bisexual.” He is simply just being himself. “You never have to try to be yourself,” he said. “If you’re trying, you’re not being yourself.”

Written by Kathry Shpak

Categories: Pride Center, Intercultural Center