By Father Tony, February 22, 2010, The Bilerico Project
The soft trickle of water fountains, the scent of a pungent simmering stew, the glow of oil paintings in the Cape Cod style and the warm embrace of two handsome men of a certain age will envelop you upon entering the gates of the gracious and elegant Fort Lauderdale residence of Brian McNaught and his husband Ray Struble.
Although Brian was the focus of this particular visit, distinguishing him from his spouse is difficult given their identical heads of enviably thick salt and pepper hair that partially explain the title of the sixth and newest of Brian's books, Are You Guys Brothers?
Their similarities go much deeper and contain startling revelations, given the peaceful and comfortable life they share today. Both were altar boys drawn to Catholic religious vocations in a church that rejected them. Both were victims of childhood sexual abuse. Both have parted ways with alcohol and drugs. Both have attempted suicide. Both are now highly respected and prosperous professionals. Their shared life of thirty-two years, described in unusually frank detail by Brian in his books and trainings, is remarkably inspiring. From the sidewalks outside their homes here and in Provincetown, you would see only their financial success, but once inside the warmth of their hospitality, you learn that what they now enjoy has been hard earned and are reminded that the lives of the men around us are not always as they seem.