Why Do I Write (Publicly)?

I write for self-acceptance.

For self-validation.

To be heard by myself.

And

I write for others.

For them to know they aren't alone in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

That mental illness isn't a character flaw.

That mental illness isn't the final word.

I write to end the taboo.

To put a face to the stigma.

To counter myths with lived experience.

I also write to be a strong presence.

Strong in the foundation I have in scripture,

Which I believe to be a message, a tale

Of love, unity, and a call to justice

Not division, judgement, and discrimination.

What I mean is

We still need more gay christian representation

In our small communities

To show that

God isn't cursing us.

But rather, our blessings overflow like the cis-hets.

I write to remind

myself and others

that the kingdom of heaven

can be here and now

if we walk alongside one another

as we are

and keep the gates open

and the tables set for all.