Aly, this piece was so strong months ago that I thought it was basically perfect, but now it’s even more powerful, heartbreaking, wise, and funny—particularly for those of us who know the Southern terrain—it should be framed and hung in a museum or something. Not many people capture the Evangelical to queer polyamorous writer transition, and I haven’t read any that speak to me as much as your work does, so thank you.
Once again, and not that I’m surprised, but this is SO compellingly written, Aly. It made me smile and cry at different points. I imagine that coming out to your mom was one of the most difficult things you ever did but also one of the most cathartic. I read your pieces and see the evolution in your truth telling and provocative writing.
On this last day of Pride month, I’m so proud of you and all the other people I know and care about for sharing their truths. It’s so hard to live inauthentically. Sharing this story, like the others, helps people know they’re not alone. With lots of love and understanding, I will read this again and again. ❤️
I grew up in the Pentecostal church (late 70’s and 80’s) and am Hispanic so I had a similar experience. I remember thinking I must be a man if being gay was wrong. My father would leave pieces of paper around for me to find with quotes from the Bible about women wearing men’s clothing. When he asked me who I would marry (I was a child at the time) I said my freind next door who was female. He said you can’t marry girls so then I said I’d marry him. He then said that couldn’t happen either. Then I said it was too complicated and that I would never marry. I got outed at my college graduation when I received an award for all I did for the gay community. I had run the gay group on a large campus and we did a lot of programming. I even brought Leslie Feinberg out to help encourage the group to add the T to the LGBA. That did not go over well with many gays. Most were still angry that bisexuals were a part of the group. Needless to say my parents were horrified. It was Mother’s Day. They should never have been put in that situation. I should have been honest with them. I still believe that everyone has a right to believe and feel how they do. I’m grateful to still be a big believer in Christ and thankful for his never ending grace. This makes many of my gay friends angry. I get how the church hurt them. Churches are run by humans and we all have flaws. It’s why I’m not in a religious group or church anymore. However the Bible is very important to me as is my faith. I would love to hear the poem written by Tara.
To the writer...your story both personal and universal stimulates...captivates...engages...a gift you know, Aly.
Aly, this piece was so strong months ago that I thought it was basically perfect, but now it’s even more powerful, heartbreaking, wise, and funny—particularly for those of us who know the Southern terrain—it should be framed and hung in a museum or something. Not many people capture the Evangelical to queer polyamorous writer transition, and I haven’t read any that speak to me as much as your work does, so thank you.
Once again, and not that I’m surprised, but this is SO compellingly written, Aly. It made me smile and cry at different points. I imagine that coming out to your mom was one of the most difficult things you ever did but also one of the most cathartic. I read your pieces and see the evolution in your truth telling and provocative writing.
On this last day of Pride month, I’m so proud of you and all the other people I know and care about for sharing their truths. It’s so hard to live inauthentically. Sharing this story, like the others, helps people know they’re not alone. With lots of love and understanding, I will read this again and again. ❤️
I love your raw vulnerability, Aly. Just beautiful. Thank you.
I grew up in the Pentecostal church (late 70’s and 80’s) and am Hispanic so I had a similar experience. I remember thinking I must be a man if being gay was wrong. My father would leave pieces of paper around for me to find with quotes from the Bible about women wearing men’s clothing. When he asked me who I would marry (I was a child at the time) I said my freind next door who was female. He said you can’t marry girls so then I said I’d marry him. He then said that couldn’t happen either. Then I said it was too complicated and that I would never marry. I got outed at my college graduation when I received an award for all I did for the gay community. I had run the gay group on a large campus and we did a lot of programming. I even brought Leslie Feinberg out to help encourage the group to add the T to the LGBA. That did not go over well with many gays. Most were still angry that bisexuals were a part of the group. Needless to say my parents were horrified. It was Mother’s Day. They should never have been put in that situation. I should have been honest with them. I still believe that everyone has a right to believe and feel how they do. I’m grateful to still be a big believer in Christ and thankful for his never ending grace. This makes many of my gay friends angry. I get how the church hurt them. Churches are run by humans and we all have flaws. It’s why I’m not in a religious group or church anymore. However the Bible is very important to me as is my faith. I would love to hear the poem written by Tara.
Big hug, my friend.