My name is Christopher Duncan, and I am an openly gay scuba diver. I have been a certified scuba diver since 2004, and a lifelong “ocean nerd” my entire life. I had originally planned on being a marine biologist in college, but encountered deep rooted homophobia on field trips and decided, rightly or wrongly, that I wouldn’t be safe if I was an out, gay man in that environment. It is one of the few regrets I have in my life.
Our world has changed a lot since I made that fateful decision in 1982. One thing I’ve never regretted was my decision to come out to parents, family and friends that same summer. Like most LGBTQIA+ people, I’ve experienced my share of homophobia, external and internal, blatant and subtle. But one thing has always stood out: we are stronger when we stand together.
In addition to my love of the ocean, I was also a Boy Scout who earned my Eagle Scout award and was honored as a Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow. Leaping forward 20 years, I renewed my love of the outdoors and joined an organization called the Wilderness Network of Georgia in the early 2000s. I saw the power of 300+ gay people going out into nature and doing the thing they loved most: camping and backpacking. Our travels took us into areas of the country where gay people were sometimes unknown and often times not welcome. And that was okay, because we had each other’s backs.
We had fun together, we were safe together, and we showed the world that gay people can contribute to preserving the environment without ever once shying away from who we were.
I’ve always wanted to bring that same experience to scuba diving, and have finally taken the plunge with my dear friend André, and the support of my beloved husband Joe. Sometimes it feels like it’s going to be a lot of work, but I know it’s going to be worth it. I look forward to getting to know all of you, and perhaps even blowing some bubbles together.
Christopher Duncan, Photo credit: © André Saade 2024, All Rights Reserved Worldwide.