Mark Cornelsen: T.R. Knight’s New Boyfriend

Grey’s Anatomy star T.R. Knight and boyfriend Mark Cornelsen hold hands during the 2008 Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood on Sunday.

Cornelsen was the 2007 Matthew Shepard Point Scholar. Watch the video below of Mark talking about how his story affected his generation or read his story below!

Mark grew up in a small town close to the Canadian border called Ferndale, Washington. Brought up in an extremely conservative, religious household, Mark received a very negative reception when he came out. His family’s religious views left absolutely no room for understanding or acceptance; there would be no compromise. Mark was ostracized from their lives, and he was left to lead a life of independence at the age of sixteen.

Donating back to his community and excelling academically were always top priorities while in high school. Mark graduated from high school a year early by attending college courses, and he is currently working multiple jobs to help fund his education. He is involved with the ONE campaign to provide AIDS and poverty education globally and is establishing a local chapter. He is eager to become more involved with GLSEN and many GLBT organizations within the Bay Area in the coming months.

Mark is attending San Francisco State University in the fall of 2007 where he will earn a degree in Resort/Commercial Recreation Management with a minor in International Business. He aspires to be the director of an international luxury resort.”


Mark Cornelsen: T.R. Knight’s New Boyfriend
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157 Comments

# 1

Aw, they’re so cute together!

# 3

Hollyweird can keep pushing it, but it’s still not normal!!

# 4

Hmm. Mark is cute. He looks quite a bit younger than T.R. to me though.. like 10 years older. He looks like hes in his early 20s. lol. Not that it matters.

# 5

TR seems A LOT skinnier (his face, at least) compared to when he first started on Grey’s Anatomy.

# 7

Lenny @ 02/25/2008 at 8:24 pm Hollyweird can keep pushing it, but it’s still not normal!!
___________________________________________

Finally, a sane person!

# 8

he’s cute. kind of young though. ehh. but age ain’t nothing but a number. go tr!

# 9

I think TR’s face in this pic is a phoney. It looks cut out.

awww they are cute!!

disliking people for what you don’t understand is what isn’t normal

and ps why are you commenting on a blog run by someone who isn’t “normal” if you have a problem with it

#12 i didn’t know… oh well

It’s not normal? What!?

dicaprio lovaah @ 02/25/2008 at 8:59 pm

omg how sweeeet they look together

Orange Clockwork @ 02/25/2008 at 9:00 pm

Fug ********, the both of ‘em.

What’s not normal?

good for them, they have nothing to be ashamed of!

As for the ones who said it wasn’t “normal”…there is no such thing as normal. The normalcy of the world is not being normal.

Wake up and learn some tolerance.

they look cute together. yay them! and being yourself is normal. wake up and join us all in the year 2008. thanks.

Carol in Glendale @ 02/25/2008 at 9:18 pm

I think it’s terrible not to accept your childs sexuality. Put your GD so called Christian beliefs first instead of unconditional love for your child. It’s a huge loss to the parents who are too stupid to realize this. People should not have children if they can’t accept the possibility that their child may be a homosexual.

Good on Mark for making something of his life, and good for Mark and TR for finding one another. I wish them all the happiness in this world.

Lenny I agree, ut’s weird not matter what people say. Or try to convince us.

To Carol in Glendale:
The article never said the family was “Christian” so let’s not put labels just because you obviously have issues against Christianity. I believe you’re the one spreading the hate here.

Carol in Glendale @ 02/25/2008 at 9:46 pm

Ok fine tom c but it did refer to religious beliefs. I’m not spreading any kind of hate. I do think it’s hypocritical to have so-called religious beliefs and on the other hand, not unconditionally accept and love your child.
BTW, I do believe in God. Just not so sure the Bible can be taken as 100% fact since it’s been interpreted by man over the years.

His parents are losers in my opinion. YMMV.

Wait, what??! JARED’S GAY??!

Mark is hot. I didnt knw T.R. Knight is gay, well, they look pretty darned hot to me!

#12 WTF are you talking about? Did you just call JustJared not normal? Why are you on this site if you are bashing the blogger? You make zero sense.

Anyways, they look cute together.

#27 i was referring to an earlier comment calling being gay not normal, and wondered why that comment was made on a blog run by someone who is gay, as am i, jared rules

He has a wonk eye like Paris.

oh my god he’s gorgeous! they’re adorable.

it’s not abnormal, love is never wrong.

Super cute! Good for them. I wish them luck and hope that others can accept their relationship. I’d rather see these two hotties together than any of those other CRAZY hollywood heterosexual couples out there!!

How old is he?

Oh my gosh!! I am so happy for T.R.

Finally, finally, finally we see him out and about with someone and grinning ear to ear. I live in LA and thought I had seen him out with a guy at a cafe a few weeks ago. Now I know, it had to be him. Who cares how old the guy is… they look cute together, happy as can be. And Mark is quiet handsome! WOW

Could not be more pleased to see this picture :) Adorable.

Thanks for introducing us to this hot new coupling Jared!

Look forward to seein more pics

Screw ‘normal’!

who wants to live through other people’s opinions and religous beliefs? This is 2008 not 1988 - no one has the right to tell people who they can and cannot love …

pfff!!!!

disgusting

gay is wrong

I still cannot believe T.R. is gay. They make a cute couple.

He’s cute but isn’t he a little young for TR? TR is like 34 and I’m assuming Mark is 18. Even in a straight relationship, a teen and a mid 30s person probably don’t have that much in common.

T.R doesnt look comfortable, but i am happy for him anyways. Mark looks really cute.

I love TR, and Mark is cute and all… but he doesn’t seem too articulate now does he? =x I’m just saying.

But he looks so much better with dark hair,

How old is Mark Cornelson??? Is he just 18?? ok eww
I don’t care that they are gay, that’s fine but 34 and 18?? ew
or is he 20??

Both are unattractive.

So this kid is what, right out of high school, about to attend college?? Hmmm.

the are a cute couple.but Mark looks pretty young to me.

Special Interests @ 02/26/2008 at 12:14 pm

Looks as though he’s robbing the cradle….

Wish TR would be my boyfriend… :(

I hate that this Cornelsen guy does that classic gay fake smile in the four pictures

@anthony

Don`t be sad about it.They`re other cute gay guys in the world.

They are cute..but what is that silver thing on his lower lip? is that a stud? is this a new place for earings?

the thing is: wether it’s normal or not it’s something people can not change about themselves. I just think that there’s no need to make them feel extra bad about that with mean comments or whatever.

Some people are saying it’s normal…I say so what.

I personally rather see a gay man who is open and admits it.

One of my greatest fears is to marry a man who tries to hide his true sexuality. It happened to my friend’s mother, and when she finally found out he was gay she was heartbroken…that’s just not cool.

So if you’re gay, say it loud and say it proud…and don’t marry a woman (unless she already knows and don’t care).

skankyHO @ 02/25/2008 at 10:11 pm He has a wonk eye like Paris.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Other than how young he looks compared to T.R., that’s the first thing i notice, too.

TOTAL WONK EYE.

And no offence, but as cute as he is why is he with T.R.’s annoying ass? It has to be for the money and recognition. How can he deal with T.R.’s hag Katherine H. ? I bet she sits and watches them have sex, praying T.R. will invite her to join in.

Acceptance of all is what we should strive for. Seems like a nice young couple. Discrimination comes in all shapes and sizes and colors, too. Good luck to him.

Mark is way cute, and the haters can get educated.

I met the both of them about a month ago at a fundraiser…both of them were super sweet and friendly

riridaniels @ 02/27/2008 at 10:19 am

Um, Lenny, as long as you like internet gossip, you’d better get used to the gays.

I went to middle school and high school with mark. We both were on newspaper together. He’s such a nice guy.. Him and T R Knight are ADORABLE together. So happy for him!!!!

Totally adorable! Love T.R. !

I have grown up with the Cornelsen family, and our parents have been life long friends. Granted, at first I know it was hard for them to accept Mark’s lifestyle, they have in NO WAY disowned him. Not only did they give him money when he needed it, they reached out to him ALL THE TIME. So all this crap about him not getting any support whatsoever from his family is bullshit. They made multiple attempts to repair their relationship which he rejected. I know that it has been hard on their entire family, no parent wants to lose a child and his parents are no exception. Believe me or not I don’t care, I just don’t think that it’s right for the truth to not be told.

Ferndaler @ 03/03/2008 at 3:46 pm

This kid used to make my coffee at Mug Shots every day! I had wondered where he went off to. Between Mark and Jake Locker, our little town is crankin out the pseudo-celebrities!

Agree with Agreed and Lenny. Mark was super sweet and nice though.

if boy on boy isnt your thing why be so concerned? Live and let live. Its not your place to judge when the world is FULL if quesionable behavior that many of us say is “normal”.If its not your cup of tea..just remember u dont own the world, only yourself so let others find their own happiness.If its a sin…that btwn them and God. last time I checked HE hasnt returned yet and he sure didnt send you in his place! Magazines catch images of real life and the reality is GAY people date and do all the same things hetero people do so sticking your head in the sand wont make it go away.if you only want to see straight celebrities failing in and out of love, making a mockery of marriage, having children out of wedlock and going in and out of rehab (REAL “NORMAL” RIGHT??) …then you are in the wrong galaxy buddy!

Mark’s hometown is ten mins away from mine, so I admire him for the things that he has worked to accomplish in his young life. If this is truely love and they are both adults then age should not be what is looked at.. What should be looked at is why do “we” think that when two people love eachother we are to dictate if they really love one another?

ferndizzle @ 03/13/2008 at 8:34 pm

go mark and t.r.
ferndale-1, lynden-0.

dang go mark…hahaha…i used to go to school with him hes a cool guy

I totally went to school with Mark. I’m from Ferndale! woot woot.

OMG, wait till you hear this @ 03/16/2008 at 6:34 am

Julia… are you serious?? I was wondering about that! Mark seems like a nice kid and all, and I starrted a facebook page in his honor, but I was wondering how much of this whole situation was exaggerated. He is really a cute kid, but it does seem odd that communications have been severed. I am considerably older than he is… more TR’s age, and when I saw this and found that he was affiliated with the MAtthew Shepard Foundation I could not help but to respond. Many people say that the age difference is an “eye brow raise” and although I am typically openminded about situations as these, I am questioning the motives here.

Although I am not willing to reveal my identity as of yet, I will say that I have had some trouble recently (within a month or so) from a facebook liser who was claiming to be TR Knight. There were ALOT of people who believed it was really him… myself included… and a red flag went up in my mind when the impostor FINALLY reveal himself as a teen aged kid who was “supposedly from England.” On reflection, there was a comment posted on this facebook listing “after I caught him” that stated: “Hi, my name is Mark, and I am running TR Knight’s fan page”! THAT was a slip up!— because this kid FIRST told me that his name was Jake! And I have the listing saved to prove it! Could this have been Mark Cornelsen?

Alot of us are wondering because along with that, he knew very intimate details that only someone who really knew TR would know… Furthermore, just AFTER I had written to the REAL Mark Cornelsen just DAYS ago, a mysterious and coincidental comment came in response to a YOUtube posting I had made in regard to one of TR’s videos where I’d been mentioning the TR impostor. They wanted to know if I caught the impostor, what happened, and BEGGED me to tell them who it was… Well, when I looked to see where and who was listing the question it gave a feke name of course, by the name of “Igor”, and the age was listed as 19!! Too many coincidences, I think!

Well, friends and myself have been discussing this situation, and if it indeed is/was Mark who was the Impostor, it was a pretty ****** and UNCLASSY thing to do.. And as far as TR Knight… we all used to like him very much… VERY MUCH, but after following his track record, we are wondering about his intentions with this boy as well… he seems to follow the limelight around… and it is beginning to show..

Just wanted to offer comment.

BIRCH BAY @ 03/17/2008 at 3:36 pm

I am so proud of Marky!!!! Dont for get the Birch Bay days workin at the restaurant!!! you were my bestest and most favoritest assistant!! (ok ok host and runner but you know)

PS to the person who listed
Ferndale 1 Lynden 0 — that is funny!

Susan mead sowers @ 03/20/2008 at 8:58 pm

Mark; it’s coach Sue (red lions soccer). I have been worried @ you. It seems that you are happy…finally. I can not imagine your parents “logic” They, obviously, have none. You were always a terrific kid. I would be proud to call you my son. Your brother is an entirely different matter. How supposedly “educated” people can condone arrogance and rudeness and toss a sweet, kind person out of the house is beyond me. I hope you are really ok. I feel sorry that your narrow minded parents don’t appreciate you for the kind hearted, fun,sweet, handsome REAL person that you are. Take good care sweetie. e-mail me if h’wood time permits. Alex & Ian say hi too. xo

ok, ok… all this going on about Mark… The truth of the matter is that he is/was a nice kid. Really he was. The point is here that Mark’s parents did not turn their backs on him. This is what he wants everyone to believe, and it just isn’t so. The Cornelsens have always been a role-model family who doted on Mark ever since the day he was born. He was a pleasant, sweet kid, but spoiled rotten to the core most of the time, and has over the years, developed an ornate way of utilizing his situation to gain the sympathy from outsiders.

Mark’s family did not “condone” his orientation, however accepted it anyway because he was their son. This is as any parent would do. They have offered him asistance anytime he needed it and he was not tossed out by his family– he left of his own accord, and made no attempts to either explain or communicate with his family as a result. There are two sides to every story, and some of us are getting sick and tired of the bullshit that this kid is cramming down everyone’s throats with his false claims of the adverse.

The truth? Mark has turned into a kid that I no longer wish to know, and have lived to regret knowing because of the lies he has told. Sure, he thinks he’s at the top of his game now with TR Knight, but the truth is that man will never be bold enough to marry him– if that’s what MArk is hoping for, and soon enough his “Sugar Daddy” will get the hint that he is no better than a young scheming punk kid who is only out for his own personal gain and profit.

Like any other Hollywood romance, this one will crash and burn and then sure enough in 5 or 10 years, Mark will be crawling back to the roots he tossed out the window.

There’s your truth.

what?! I don’t believe it! How do you spell E-S-C-O-R-T? And I’m not talking about the compact Ford, either!

It is interesting to hear people and their thoughts. Just a thank you to the people who really know his family. We love him and we will always love him. He is welcome at home and always has been. We miss him very much.

It is interesting to hear people and their thoughts. Just a thank you to the people who really know his family. We love him and we will always love him. He is welcome at home and always has been. We miss him very much.

You are very welcome Mrs. Cornelsen. I felt it was only fair to voice the truth in this situation. What alot of people don’t realize is that family ALWAYS cares… it may not always seem that way to the affected party at first— like Mark, but the standing fact is that there is merit in the saying “blood is thicker than water”.

It is initially a hard pill for a parent to swallow; afterall, no parent want to see their child leading a life full of ridicule and scorn by the general public. I do realize that the opinions of the world are beginning to change, as you do, Mrs. Cornelsen, and I believe that you– as his parent, only wished the best for him and wanted him to live a happy life.

Like you, I only hope that he understands that there are two sides to every situation, including this one, and I felt that it was important for your family to be given the benefit of the doubt and a chance to voice your opinions and feelings as well.

I know you love him… and deep doen inside, I think he loves you too… and someday, I hope he realizes that he only gets ONE set of parents in this world. It’s too late when one or both of them are dead and gne to say all the things one wishes they would have when they were living.

Don’t I know it… and I just wish I still had the chance he is missing out on now….

The best to you and your family, and try to have a nice holiday.

Bless you.

Dwayne wolfe---- pennsylvania @ 03/23/2008 at 11:31 pm

I’ve been watching the messages of this post for quite awhile now. And you know, the time has come for me to say a few things about the situation. I’m 39, and like Mark, I also am gay. Even more than that is the fact that I know exactly the kind of situation he is up against with his family. It happened to me. It was 1987, and the times were different. The world was prejudice about gays then— even moreso than now, and it was holding on the the old belief that we were sick individuals who had made a concious choice to be this way. This isn’t the truth. And it isn’t a choice, but a life… not a lifestyle, we are put into from the day we are concieved. We are not “made” individuals, but are people of a predestined situation of which we did not ask for or of which we had a choice. Our lives are not multiple choice selections of sexual orientation, in the same way that we can’t choose our fates at our lives ends. This is a choice and a selection that was, in fact, chosen for us by a supreme power beyond that of ourselves or mankind. People of religion call us an abomination; society calls us sinners. And through it all, we strive to be kind to everyone– do the right things, help others in need– all the while never asking for than more than acceptance in return. All men are created equal– so a great American doocument once read, and the Bible teaches all of us that God created us in HIS own image. It’s that image that people like Mark and me are trying to measure up to. If HE indeed created us in HIS own image, and “lying” is a sin, then trying to be something that we were never intended to be would be a lie— a defiance to HIM and HIS plan for us. Another situation is a parent’s unconditional love for a child. Believe it or not, I can see both sides. I understand that this has been a difficult situation for Mark’s parents— it was for mine. Visions of carrying on the family Crest, bloodline, and grandchildren, cloud the present view a parent should have in regards to the well-being and happiness of their own children, at times. This is not a “survival-of- the- fittess” of carrying on generations of a family’s legacy or last name, or should it be a consideration factor when regarding family status in a community. The strengths of a family are measured in how well they are bonded to one another by love and loyalty– not by guidlines determined by society or belief. True love of a parent comes form accepting everything about their child— and editing out the dislikes they may have is not an option on a check-off list of “accessory items”. Society plays the biggest role in all of our lives, and many times, has taught us the bigotry that has become inbred in each of us for any given situation where bias can be present. It’s up to us now—a new generation of thinkers, to individualize our beliefs, and seperate our taught prejudices from the rights all of us have in society to be just that— individuals. in fact, it’s not just a right, it’s a plan… a plan that has been mapped out for each of us by that stonger power I mentioned earlier. If we truly want the world to be a better place, and we want to follow the example so many people of religion claim is the “right” path, then we need to reevaluate ourselves in society and let the “plan” run it’s natural course as HE intended. The road is alot less bumpy for everyone when “HE” is the only one holding the steering wheel, you know?

Dwayne wolfe---- pennsylvania @ 03/24/2008 at 1:45 am

And one other thing while I am thinking about it.. (Post #67 “OMG”), I don’t know what the hell you think you are trying to pull here on this post, but I am the one who created Mark’s facebook listing of which you speak! If I catch you making any further remarks to the contrary, or attempting to contradict the good intentions with that listing, I will personally have you barred from the post, facebook postings involving Mark, and anything to do with any affiliates of anything I create! I hope I have made myself perfectly clear on this point.

I grew up with Mark and I am so proud of him. I am happy to see him in a healthy relationship and they look so cute together. and you guys are all crazy obsessing over his age. We were born on exactly the same day and he is not 18. Not to mention his maturity level is way beyond his years, it has always been. And his eyes are perfect. No WONK eye at all. Mark is so gorgeous and if you were to know him in real life you would find him a thousand times more attractive. Mark, I’m stoked for you. Way to go.

fugly annnnnnnnndddddd he’s 19. Daddy issues

he is, in fact, quite young…and I met him a few weeks ago (his roommate is a friend of mine). lemme tell you: he is just as cute/adorable in person!! but, above all that stuff is who he is and what he has accomplished…especially at such a young age. it’s people like him who inspire others to do good things.

dwayne wolfe--- pennsylvania @ 03/31/2008 at 6:39 pm

PERFECTLY said, Austin! That’s what we SHOULD be hearing on this post! Kudos to you!

IN RESPONSE TO #67: i know nothing of these “circumstances” that you seem to be so wrapped up in…but do you have a f*cking life?!?!? Are you seriously sitting at home and “discussing” all this stuff with your “friends”?!?!? Do you NOT have a job?? Better yet: do you NOT have a LIFE OF YOUR OWN?!?!? You spend all your time pondering/questioning other people’s lives??
Yes, I sort of contradict myself by being on this site and typing up this response…but I just happened to stumble upon this site after having met Mark…and i am by no means spending precious moments of my life enthralled by someone else’s life. Do us a favor and GET A LIFE.

hkjbhdjkfhdhfgkhdghjkdfhg;oajd @ 04/04/2008 at 2:38 am

His mom was my 4th grade teacher!!!!!

okay I was the problem. I love him so much. Idid not give him the attention in the important years. Yes, I am a Christian. I am sorry for the time I did not listen to you mark. Please forgive my ignorance. I am more open today than you know. Ijust want dialogue. Dad

dwayne wolfe--- pennsylvania @ 04/06/2008 at 3:16 am

Mr. Cornelsen.. (if this is indeed you)… What I’d like to say to you is this. Whether you are Christian or not, the love you should be giving your son should be that of unconditional love. You know, living this life is hard enough without the negative feelings coming from one’s family. What you have to understand is that this is not a choice for those of us who are gay… meaning that it isn’t a lifestyle, but a life…. just a life, that was not of our choosing from the start. One doesn’t “choose” to live a life conciously when they know they will be at the epicenter of controversy and scorning ridicule… just know that.

I know you don’t know me, but understand that I went through similar circumstances as Mark— years ago when even the public was much harder on us than they are now. Acceptance and support is what Mark needs in his life from you— nothing more than that. That’s all any of us ever needed in our lives. It isn’t as we feel the need to be ahead of the remander of society or treated as “special”— just equal, as everyone else, you know.

I hope you can reconcile with your son…. as losing a family member becasue of simple prejudice and pride is an inexcusable circumstance of which no one wins in the end. Open your heart to him— UNCONDITIONALLY, and listen to what HE has to say… what HE has been TRYING to say…

In the end, you will find that your son is an amazing person that you will be proud to know AND accept …. don’t toss that away for some rediculous notion of an ideal you have for him that doesn’t exist, ok? He’ll flourish better just being himself..

Take care, and regards to you and your family.

To dwayne wolfe and yes I am marks dad. The Christian part means that I am a Christ follower. It does’nt mean that I get it all right. Christ is the example of unconditional love. I’m trying to do that with mark. I too believe that we will have dialogue some day on his terms. There is no doubt that mark is an amazing person . He always has been. As far as he be tossed out and not given much……. there are always two sides to every story. As a parent with other children , you learn to die on certain hills, not all of them. Thank you for your comments.God has given me this opportunity to grow and I know I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me Phil. 4:13 yours truly

To dwayne wolfe and yes I am marks dad. The Christian part means that I am a Christ follower. It does’nt mean that I get it all right. Christ is the example of unconditional love. I’m trying to do that with mark. I too believe that we will have dialogue some day on his terms. There is no doubt that mark is an amazing person . He always has been. As far as he be tossed out and not given much……. there are always two sides to every story. As a parent with other children , you learn to die on certain hills, not all of them. Thank you for your comments.God has given me this opportunity to grow and I know I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me Phil. 4:13 yours truly

dwayne wolfe--- pennsylvania @ 04/06/2008 at 8:51 pm

Mr Cornelsen.

I’ve read your comments, and I wanted to further communicate with you in regards to this matter, as there a few more things that I wanted to say to you.

I’m hearing what you say, but there are other ways that we, as gay members of society see situations like this that you need to be exposed to that I don’t hink you see..

One, in regards to being a parent… I believe that all parents feel they do the best they can with their children… by keeping a roof over their heads, food on the table, and in trying to give them the finer things n life… (materialistic or other). Children are a parent’s greatest joy. And you know sir, we as children know that… we really do. And becasue we do know that, we are afraid to disappoint out parents by doing something that they will look badly at us for, or something that will change how they feel towards us.

As I’m sure you realize, and have experienced in your life at one time or another with your own parents, is a simple phrase that EVERY child has heard for EVERY parent… “you can come to me with anything”. We as children truly believe that… To us, we know that “Mom and Dad” will not forsake us becasue they love us regardless of what we tell them. “Mom and Dad” will understand because that’s who they are to us… “Mom and Dad”.. right?…

Imagine if you will then– knowing that you inevidably uttered that phrase to your son at some point in his life— as mine had done, how “bare naked” and “stripped down to nothing” he felt knowing that he was going to be coming to you with the one thing that would make him feel the most vulnerable… Do you know what that’s like? It’s like walking into a crowded ampitheater of over 250,000 people who are all looking at you with high-powered binoculars… only to discover that you are walking around with 35 to 40 feet of soiled toilet paper stuck to the backside of your britches.. Except for one thing… that it’s TEN TIMES worse… because you are coming to the two people who are the most important people in your life… afraid to disappoint them, afraid that they’ll hate you, and hoping that the phrase “you can come to me with anything” will kick in full-force at that moment and you will throw your arms around us… cradling us like you did when we were infants, telling us that everything will be all right, and that you love us anyway…

Can you understand this, Mr. Cornelsen?

And as far as there being anotherside to the story of “tossing him out”… I’m quite certain that the implied was not that you took Mark by the scruff of the collar and physically THREW him into the street. But what you have to understand is that there is more than one way to exempt a child from your life…. making him feel outcast and isolated. If a child feels as though they have dissapointed their parents, family, and community, they feel isolated— especially if this disapproval was vocalized. We feel shocked, upset, embarrassed, and a hundred other emotions all at the same time. In turn, it is only human nature to seek a comfort zone elsewhere… much like a “runt puppy” would do when he is continuously attacked and shoved off by his sibblings surrounding a food dish. This is what Mark did when he turned to friends— and it’s what I did when I went into isolation 20 years ago… living in my car in the cold of the winter. We sought comfort zones where we found acceptance without ridiclule..

Mark moving to California to persue college and a new life, and me doing the same through struggle in a different day and age… either way you look at it, we were in one in the same in this regard, and we weren’t going to look back to our family regardless of what happened to us— becasue we were left the feeling that we dissapointed the two people that told us that “we could tell them anything” and it was better to succeed or fail on our own, rather than accept help from our family who felt less of us than they had previously.

You know, sir, you are tell me here on this post how much you love Mark, and how you agree that he is amazing and that he had always been. That’s great, but if I may give you some advice, please, don’t tell me… tell him. Don’t make the same mistakes my parents made with me… I’ve spent a lifetime trying to make my parents proud of me… writing cover stories for magazines, doing well in my job, buying a new house… etc… etc… , only to realize that no matter what I did, “son, we’re proud of you” is the one thing that at 39 years old, I have as of yet to ever hear from them…

Sure, like you and your wife, you have an “open door policy” where you’ll accept Mark at any time, but this is where you could be waiting a lifetime. It’s not about “leaving the door open for him”, it’s about YOU going to HIM, on HIS turf.. where he feels comfortable, and trying to reconcile form there. You where San Francisco is, right? Go to him, instead… you’ll be the better for it.

I hope this helps you

dwayne. your point is well taken. I am not the jerk of your past. You also have to realize that I have three kids and know that things eb and flow. Mark is 19. He is self centered. The life he lives is all about him right now. We will get it some day,I am willing to wait. The point of coming to him will happen when he is ready. You have to realize I know when its time to press the issue. Its not now. If he wants me to meet TR I will be there. It has to be on his terms. I will wait and try to let him know I love him.You are not alone. There are people like me who acually give a rip about others even if we are small town red neck carpenters from ferndale. I acually went to college with a gay guy he and I got along just fine. We still talk today. We skiied and talked about life alot when we skipped class. He is married with two kids today. I am not the Christian from the church you dislike. You would like the church I attend. Its a great rockin building.My small group is full of people with all kinds of problems just like me. Keep talking. This is great. Dan

dwayne wolfe--- pennsylvania @ 04/08/2008 at 2:51 am

Mr. Cornelsen,

“Red neck carpernters from Fernadale”…. hilarious!!! It makes me laugh; because people— from both sides of the fence—- can be stereotypical. I am actually a country bumpking myself, who works as a cabinetmaker by trade, and as a writer as a sideline. In fact my actress friend from Toronto called me today and thanked me for mentioning in the cover story I had written for her, about being a script supervisor for the film industry, as she can use that to her advantage with the Port Authority to work in Chicago…. so tonight, I’m in a good mood!

And as far as small town living, and stereotyping one’s way of living… if you think you are small town.. I’ve something to tell you of me. For me, home is a 36 foot Park Model camping trailer which is deep in the woods on the backside of a mountain in central Pennsylvania. I carry water from about 5 miles away in the winter (water is shut off here in winter) to supply my trailer’s holding tank so I can cook, shower, wash my clothes, etc…. I don’t drive a new sporty car… in fact, I wouldn’t trade my 1991 Blazer that I beat through the woods for the finest Rolls Royce in th world.

As far as clothes.. I’m not an Armani person… I’d rather wear my Levi’s, t-shirts, workboots, and ballcaps… And you know, that’s me—- a far cry from what one may typically expect from the average homosexual man. So you see, we can all get the wrong idea about a person, and judge accordingly without knowing all there is to know about people and situations. That’s the weekness we all face as humans— judging before “know”. Through it, we live and learn.

For me, church was always a country one… much like you would remember from “Little House on the Prairie”…. where people were simple and expectations were few. I was raised Methodist, although today— when I go at all, I prefer the non-denominational, as I feel if one is to believe in God, then all groups should be able to worship in the manner they see fit without feeling one religous belief is correct over another.

As far as approaching Mark— you’re his father, you do what you feel is best for you— and handle it in any way you wish. All I am saying is that sometimes it’s not the best decision to “wait until later”, as time has a way of creating greater distance in uncomfortable situations. Sometimes the best approach comes head on and quickly… you know? I don’t know Mark, and I do not know if he is indeed self-centered or not… but either way, I’m sure that the distance is something that he thinks about, and I’m sure it bothers him somewhat— how could it not?

And as for meeting TR? If Mark is indeed self-centered with anything, then TR would be who/what he would be exercising that feeling in regards to. It’s simple… it’s a new relationship…with a remarkable man. That’s an incredible responsibility for such a young man as Mark to deal with. You said it yourself…. Mark is 19. And although this classifies him as an adult, he truly hasn’t lived yet… and his life is just beginning. He needs to test his wings— I did— you did— and now, it’s his turn… his time. Once he lives a little… and once you have the opportunity to talk, I’m sure that things will iron themselves out— regardless of the long-term outcome for him and TR Knight. Just know, that personally— althoug you may disagree with me on this point, TR is good for him… because he’s giving Mark a positive tole model to follow. Do you understand?

“Jerks of my past?”— as you’ve stated. Sure, there were many— not just how my family was back in ‘87… but through those life experiences, I’ve matured and grown into the man I am today—- they call that the “school of hard knocks”…. haha. And sometimes, for some people, that is greatest teacher. For me, it taught me survival…

Would I be able to live in the woods and carry water in the winter otherwise? hahahaha.

Be well,

Dwayne

If only all people could be as cool as the cornelsen family is, we would all be better off. Don’t believe everything you read. Glad that people are finally seeing there are two sides to every story.

dwayne wolfe--- pennsylvania @ 04/10/2008 at 2:46 am

Nellie… you’re right. There are two sides to every story, and yes, the Cornelsen’s seem like very pleasant people. In fact, I personally had a lovely conversation with Mrs. Cornelsen— (Mark’s mother) over the telephone yesterday. She’s a very nice lady… and in fact, I shared with her my experiences of “coming out” with my parents, and she stated to me ‘God works in mysterious ways.. I kept praying for someone to come into our lives to help us with trying to get through to Mark”. And you know, it made me feel good to talk with her, becasue it made me remember how things were with me and my parents over twenty years ago when coming out was even harder than it is today.

Mark needs to realize just how fortunate he is actually— he DOES have a set of parents who love him very much, and all they want to do is make amends and have a dialogue with him. He IS rejecting them btw… as he is his entire family… which has been confirmed and is not just a mere rumor here on THIS post or OTHERWISE, just as he has rejected every single email I have ever sent him— whether it be this situation, or something entirely different. Aparrently, that’s the way he wants to be about it right now… and if so, too bad for him.

But you know something? I’ve got news for Mark… I have every intention of continuing my conversations and contact with his parents— even if he doesn’t, because they are really nice people who only wish to understand this situation— and since I’ve lived it, I’ll be more than happy to help them through this… even though their own son is refusing to do so.

And as gay man myself, having been treated very nicely— AND QUITE RESPECTFULLY I MIGHT ADD, by his family—- I will continue my mission to help assure that dialogue of some kind occurs, because that is what a good person does for good people!

It is amazing though… how I can see this wonderful family falling apart from so far away, and know the pain that’s on both sides… It hurts me too you know… I mean, I spilled my guts to a kid I didn’t even know— just wanting to help him. Imagine how it was for me to tell him about how I once lived in my car— sustaining myself on ketchup and crackers, homeless at 18, AFRAID to come out– no one to trust or talk to… dwindling down to 90 pounds… Something, huh?

No imagine how much an ASS if felt like after telling him all that only to get “no response” in return? I’m sorry, but what kind of person does that?? A person WHO DOESN’T CARE, that’s who. That kid? Oh yeah, it was Mark Cornelsen… believe it or not.. I’ve got my proof. I also have the newly established friendship with his parents too… and you know, after “bearing my all” to him like that, I have to admit that only a self-centered individual would reject response from the type of letter I’d sent.

If any of you reading this post would like to se that letter, just let me know. Contact me with your email address, and I will be more than happy to send it your way. You be the judge of that situation..

Alot more than meets the eye?? Oh yeah… there’s a world of information yet to be discovered in this situation. I’m sure of that.

dwayne wolfe--- pennsylvania @ 04/11/2008 at 8:06 am

Mr. & Mrs. Cornelsen—–

This is Dwayne writing form Pennsylvania. I have some matters that are of somewhat urgency to discuss with you, and if you see this post, let me know if it would be ok to call you at your residence. Or, you may call me at mine—- Mrs. Cornelsen, that would be the number I gave you to the “landline” of my home. I will be at home today which is Friday, April 10th, and will also be at my residence over he weekend. I hope to touch base with you soon….

Take care,

Dwayne

Mark's lesbian cousin @ 04/11/2008 at 1:05 pm

I for one find all of this to be rather ridiculous. As a member of Mark’s family it hurts to see the lies and rumors around the internet. Regardless if it is the internet or not, it hurts to see our family made out to be some kind of crazy bunch of Jesus freaks, when that is extremely far from the truth.

It hurts even more to be Mark’s LESBIAN cousin and to have little to no relationship with him. It hurts to know that I have made attempts to talk to him and contact him and have little to no response back. Now you would think that we’d be allies in this sort of situation considering we’re both on the same team, right? Well that obviously isn’t the case. I’m going to go ahead and assume the reasoning is for the mere fact that I am part of this family he holds this immense grudge against.

The fact of the matter is everything that went down in the beginning was not rainbows and unicorns and bubblegum, but the family has grown through not only the experience of Mark coming out, but from also the experience of me coming out (I am an older cousin and came out after Mark). Yea, it’s rough for them to be face to face with an issue that they felt very strong in their hearts about. It’s really difficult when you test your beliefs and you’re actually faced with a real life situation like this. It’s scary and the initial reaction makes people do and say a lot of stupid things, but people learn with time.

The family as a whole is accepting of me and my sexuality and my relationship and I’m 100% certain that they would do the same for Mark. Hell, they even offered my girlfriend a place to stay if she came and visited in Washington. All they want is a chance, an opportunity to make things better, but he won’t even give them the time of day.

dwayne wolfe--- pennsylvania @ 04/11/2008 at 4:14 pm

Mark’s Lesbian Cousin— this is Dwyane from Pennsylvania. I talked with your aunt a couple of days ago and she had stated to me that she was going to try and get me in contact with you. I understand that you are not that far from me, and I would like the opportunity to either talk with you by telephone, or in person if possible.

I have been in constant communication with someone, and together, I think I have coe to a conclusion which would be the answer as to why Mark is not contacting anyone of the family.

This is a complicated issue that I will not (because of privacy) get into on this post— but it is URGERNT that I speak with you or Marks parents. Get in touch with mark’s mom— she has my phone number, and I have some information for your family…

Dwayne

dwayne wolfe--- pennsylvania @ 04/12/2008 at 5:33 am

Mr. Cornelsen—

I wish to thank you for a wonderful and enlightening telephone conversation this evening. I really appreciated having the opportunity to see your views on things. You truly are a very caring individual, and it is a shame that your son Mark, is missing out on that. I only wish that now, having had our conversation, that someone as kind and lighthearted as you was around 20 years ago for me— when I came out. At least then, I would have felt that I would have had someone worthwhile to talk to… a different insight, and a different viewpoint.

It’s true, you and I aren’t the same, but I am coming to discover that in being “accepted” one has to be willing to see multiple views of situations— this includes the viewpoints of you and your family. Afterall, if we are to have acceptance in this world, then we have to be open to objective and contrasting viewpoints—- and the only way to do that is to have an— as you say, “open dialogue”. Thank you again for a wonderfula nd educating conversation, and I certainly hope you get enough sleep for performing well at your job tomorrow.

And oh… one more thing… not to bring the aspect of “GOD” into the discussion… but I’m thanking him now for the the fact that I have free Nationwide long distance— as did you realize we talked for an hour and a half? LOL!

I hope my information helped you this evening, and reagrds to you and your family.

Take care,

Dwayne

I’m glad to see that tr knight has found someone. and for all of you that have something against homosexuality need to wipe your conscience. you all merely go along with what you were taught as children. I grew up with very conservative parents who were against my liberal views, but I didn’t care. love is love, and tr knight shouldn’t be judged for it.

Something isn’t right about this Mark Cornelsen. He doesn’t look like a kid who was abused by his parents to me. I think he lied to get himself someplace. I think the authorities should check his background.

dear bugged just let it go. I am trying my hardest to be honest and not drive a wedge between mark and I. I do not want anyone to be blamed for stuff we can all be forgiven for. Believe me I have said enough dumb things to hurt my family to last a lifetime.

dear bugged just let it go. I am trying my hardest to be honest and not drive a wedge between mark and I. I do not want anyone to be blamed for stuff we can all be forgiven for. Believe me I have said enough dumb things to hurt my family to last a lifetime.

I’m sorry. I don’t agree. People should not lie to get themselves ahead. It’s not right. It’s not fair to less fortunate people.

not suprized @ 04/13/2008 at 11:30 pm

I’m not suprized. He looks like a liar and is too well kept to suffered much. He’s acting and putting on a big show. I can see it too. The public should start asking questions. I’ll bet he’s using TR too.

dwayne wolfe--- pennsylvania @ 04/15/2008 at 2:17 am

What the….?? What’s going on here?

marks a good guy, his family is a good family, no one has a clue what the reality of the situation is because it is no one elses reality. i think that this is being really dragged out, marks parents have had their say on here, it is clear that it was not all rainbows and butterflies but seriously what family is perfect all the time? So maybe it’s time to move ON let mark do his thing, and stop going on a damn witch hunt. people are doing WAY to much assuming and you know what it means to assume…you make an ass out of u and me so HA suckas

Yeah, sure. Whatever you say Stella. In the mean time all of us will just keep paying taxes for liars to get ahead. I don’t really care what it is that Mark Cornelsen has or hasn’t done, as much as I care about what’s got him there. It’s ok though. Anyone with half a brain can read this board and know that his family loves him. If he loved back, he’d respond, and since he isn’t, it’s not rocket science as to what lies he’s told. He’s making his own bed, and he knows it.