In memory: Mark Bingham, Father Mychal Judge, and the many victims of 9/11

Mark Bingham and his mother, Alice Hoglan 

Today is of course the anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon outside of Washington, DC.

I'm sure most of us have vivid memories of that day, whether it be of a newscast or a pillar of smoke on the skyline or a frantic phonecall from a loved one, and as difficult as these memories may be, it's important to remember those that were lost.

Cheyenne Jackson as Bingham in United 93

Mark Bingham was an openly gay man on United flight 93 and is generally held to be one of the passengers responsible for preventing the hijackers from reaching their intended target, a struggle captured with excruciating intensity and astounding sensitivity in the film United 93, where Bingham was played by out actor Cheyenne Jackson.

Father Mychal F. Judge

Father Mychal F. Judge was an openly gay fire chaplain who died while administering last rites to victims at Ground Zero. The image of Father Judge's body being carried from the wreckage became a definitive one for many, and he was honored as the hero that he was.

Bingham and Judge are two known gay victims, but many LGBT people were affected by the attacks, and we honor them, and all others impacted, here. Both my brother and I were in Manhattan during the attack and it had a profound impact on my life, relationship, friends, and family. I can say with absolute certainty that were it not for 9/11/2001, I would not be sitting here doing what I do today, for better or for worse. And as much as I'd like to forget sometimes, it's just not something I can afford to do.

If you care to share your own thoughts on this day, please feel free to below.