Raymond Sullivan

Raymond Sullivan
My name is Raymond W. Sullivan, but I go by Skip; 51 year old, white male, 5’10” tall, 210 lbs, and proud to be gay—now anyway. It wasn’t always so, my young life was full of aggression and difficulty and I pushed many of those close to me away. The fact that I was absolutely terrified of being found out. Of people discovering that I wasn’t who I pretended to be. Eventually, filled with so much sexual frustration, it was inappropriately vented which landed me in prison doing a life sentence. Here, at some unconscious level, I recognized how frightened I truly had been my whole life. I was then 24 years old. Within the iron and concrete curtain I found homosexuality the norm, and found acceptance. There had never been a gay community around me in the free world. We were shunned like vile creatures carrying the plague. Hence my masquerade. The gay people in here were at such ease, they gave me the courage to try coming out. Though I lost a lot, Mom has stayed by me; that counts most. And my “family” has kind of grown. I truly do believe that had I not felt a need to hide my true sexual desires, I would not be in prison and there would be one less victim in the world. While I’m from Colorado, I had family in Texas. I came to Texas on vacation and never made it back home. I do woodworking to express myself and ease the daily tensions of being separated from society.
With more than 27 years experience, I have a working knowledge of most all aspects of the wood-working trade. I believe there is always room for new ideas, and new ways of doing many things. Working with this philosophy, I have been privileged to create furnishings to be presented to such dignitaries as: then Joint Chief of Staff – General Colin Powell; then Secretary of Defense – Casper Wienburger and his lovely wife; President George Bush Sr.; President Bill Clinton, and in 1992 built a West Point Travel Desk that was said to be going to Queen Elizabeth II of England. Items that I have created rest on every continent of the globe. I love making unique, one-of-a-kind items, and relish the oo’s and ah’s followed by a purchase. I can probably make it if it can be made of wood, and I’ll try anything I can afford and that the institution will allow. My living crosses turn heads, as do my hand-carved and painted miniature carousels that play music as they turn, my hat and coat rack and lathe turning are hot also. Always seeking an outlet, I was fortunate to find Black & Pink Art.
Pen Pals are welcome, especially any who may be willing to put some pressure on the administration, to get this black ball off me, and get me assigned a station in the craftshop here after being transferred almost a year ago. I’ll be glad to explain to those interested. I’ll answer all inquiries and letters as time and postage allow. Peace!

Raymond Sullivan 792221
Allred Unit
2101 FM 369 N
Iowa Park TX 76367