The Genius in All People

[John Patterson]

In 1987 it became obvious to me that my life would become about people knowing themselves as a contribution; that they matter and that I matter - and that each unique contribution is actually necessary to this recipe called 'humanity'.

It happened during a seminar where I revealed that I was gay - and my fear was that "...the girl sitting next to me will be pissed, because I think she has a crush on me...and the guy sitting next to me is gonna want to move...and I just became a pervert for some and damned to hell for others", crying I continued "I know there are people in here that would now never let me near their children...and I see a guy in here that I think may just kill me in the parking lot on the way out tonight".

Another womans arm shot up, she stood and faced me; "I just have to thank you. You just set me free", she exclaimed, "I have the same fears, except it is about being overweight". I had not noticed.

A room full of hands went up - and several others broadcast similar fears...everyone seemed to have a reason why they could not be honest, real or themselves.

I was shocked to discover that my fear was not personal to me, it was not about being gay, but about being a human being. The pretense was something everyone lived with, and in that moment we all became one. Human.

I was flabbergasted...I immediately saw the enormity of this revelation. Lift the veil of pretense and what we have is an immediate understanding and the opportunity to work together towards something where we all win and everyone is a contribution.

This is the birth of my leadership in the collaborative movement, the era of 'we'. It is why, immediately following this revelation, I began my work in Austin Texas to create the city as an arts center where people could express themselves though art and music. It has been at the heart of why I created the Chicago Convergence; to express 'the genius in all people'.

I just re-watched MILK, the academy award winning movie starring Sean Penn. The movie is about Harvey Milk, the self proclaimed "Mayor of Castro Street" and leader of the gay rights movement. He was the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. On November 27, 1978, Milk and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated by Dan White, another city supervisor.

I rarely talk about being gay, not for any shame or fear, but because first and foremost I am a human being and I have said that my being gay is not relevant. Watching MILK had me re-consider; what if my being gay is as important to this collaboration as any unique expression of humanity.

What if it can continue to set others free to contribute there genius?

I can only hope.

John Patterson
Convergence Founder

Image courtesy Focus Features

[Denise Dorman]

John,
Your willingness to be free will set others free.

Denise

[John Patterson]

A huge compliment coming from my sister. I love you.

[Susan Hardaway]

John, you still continue to amaze and inspire me - after 40-something years of knowing you.