This story calmed me, reassured me, and has help me become a better teacher. Thank Neeley you a bad ass writer. I’ll start commenting more how much your writing means to me.
What a beautiful, powerful, resonant share, Jonathan. And what gorgeous writing. Thank you.
I'm queer and grew up in place much like you did, where no one was that. At least not safely.
To quote you back at you, this. So much this:
"Throughout life, I have struggled with shame, fear, and low self-esteem. Up and down my history, I have chosen self-preservation rather than curiosity and confidence. I have made myself small and felt on edge around people because deep down I have been scared that they might expose me for all of my unworthiness.
How can I not think that has something to do with all the time I’ve spent being terrified of something so close to my core?"
Jonathan, I marvel at your way of speaking with such clarity about the parts of life that seem so muddy. Thanks for bringing this and all your stories into the light and for broadening our understanding of who we mean when we talk about Pride.
Thank you for sharing your wrestling "on paper" Jonathan. Your writing is strong, clear and honest. I hope that it is indeed shared widely as it would serve an audience well. You have so much to give; glad you're so generous with us. (Adding the photo was a sweet touch. It made it so much more real.)
Not the same, but my brother is gay. I've spent years trying to convince him to live his true life. He never officially came out. The news just leaked out over time. He left his hometown never fully telling everyone around him who he truly was. I got him to move to LA, where he is just himself. He still struggles with relationships. Years of hiding has made that difficult for him, but at least he doesn't hide who he is.
I recently heard a quote that really I felt was a good way to define the struggle for the LGBTQ community. They said, "the experience is awful. There is no way I would choose this for myself." I hope your dad was able to find some peace in living his true life and I hope my brother does too.
This story calmed me, reassured me, and has help me become a better teacher. Thank Neeley you a bad ass writer. I’ll start commenting more how much your writing means to me.
What a beautiful, powerful, resonant share, Jonathan. And what gorgeous writing. Thank you.
I'm queer and grew up in place much like you did, where no one was that. At least not safely.
To quote you back at you, this. So much this:
"Throughout life, I have struggled with shame, fear, and low self-esteem. Up and down my history, I have chosen self-preservation rather than curiosity and confidence. I have made myself small and felt on edge around people because deep down I have been scared that they might expose me for all of my unworthiness.
How can I not think that has something to do with all the time I’ve spent being terrified of something so close to my core?"
Wonderful explanation about homophobia self loathing and the trickiness of fathers and sons
Jonathan, I marvel at your way of speaking with such clarity about the parts of life that seem so muddy. Thanks for bringing this and all your stories into the light and for broadening our understanding of who we mean when we talk about Pride.
Thank you for sharing your wrestling "on paper" Jonathan. Your writing is strong, clear and honest. I hope that it is indeed shared widely as it would serve an audience well. You have so much to give; glad you're so generous with us. (Adding the photo was a sweet touch. It made it so much more real.)
This was such a gift to us all Jonathan.
You just leveled up humanity!
Peace,
Denise
Hey,
Not the same, but my brother is gay. I've spent years trying to convince him to live his true life. He never officially came out. The news just leaked out over time. He left his hometown never fully telling everyone around him who he truly was. I got him to move to LA, where he is just himself. He still struggles with relationships. Years of hiding has made that difficult for him, but at least he doesn't hide who he is.
I recently heard a quote that really I felt was a good way to define the struggle for the LGBTQ community. They said, "the experience is awful. There is no way I would choose this for myself." I hope your dad was able to find some peace in living his true life and I hope my brother does too.