“Post-gay” reminds me unsettlingly of “post-feminist,” another term I have always disliked. Why should people feel compelled to distance themselves from what they are, and why should we trust such people? Great essay.
Love is Love. I explored much in my college days and realized that I was only in the relationship for the love, for the connection, the talk, the sharing, the laughter, the holding.. I felt then as I do now, what people are doesn't matter to me, what they do, how they behave is what defines them. The older I get , the more I realize it's about bridging ourselves to others and being kind. I am happy the world has flexed a bit, albeit it has a long way to go. Your life is private but sharing as you have opens doors for others struggling. some day. All the best!
'Have pride' -- I love that -- so right that everything has changed and nothing has changed -- my trans daughter's struggles appal me and when my youngest was teaching in Indonesia she had students telling her they were praying for her queer soul. Good people who are kind and intelligent will always be needed to support one another.
Such a balm of words and history and identity…. I appreciate your post … and especially the final affirmation of community. I haven’t seen Gentleman Jack. Will have to take a look.
Thank you for answer's I hadn't asked yet..to those pre-thoughts that become gamechangers...I love the comment to your dad..still smiling..just cos you're on the same team...I'm guilty of so much the same..it's not easy on this 62 year old Gammy to change her entire beliefs and I wish you could see how your kindness and charm and talent at writing..is the answer..I am grateful and curios about many things that I've newly embracing my parts, that is very different from the ones that I am so settled with now..thank you IFS! Dr. Swartz.. and I agree..no labels just humans...and if Noone asks about my love life straight..then the same rules apply..just be mindful not vengeful comming from passive aggressive experiences I really appreciate kindness and clear boundaries..ty
On a trip to Ladakh, India this spring, I was delighted to see 5th graders performing for the entire K-12 school, a skit on the importance of welcoming, including, and never bullying their queer classmates. In INDIA. Happy Pride!
Wonderful, moving essay. I see parts of myself in it as I'm sure many do. I too, stayed in the closet mainly due to the stigma of AIDS in the 80’s and early 90’s and, at the time, due to my job which had “good old boy” thinking. Luckily, a few years before you came to the company I worked for a wonderful woman who was kind, taught me well and took me under her wing. Then in the early 90’s I met my now husband and that the door of the closet opened completely. We met in 1992 and moved in together in 1993, married in 2014….32 years. Unlike so many others, I have been very fortunate that all my family and the majority of friends didn’t give a damn about being gay and have always been there for me. My best to you and Susan – Happy Pride!
“Post-gay” reminds me unsettlingly of “post-feminist,” another term I have always disliked. Why should people feel compelled to distance themselves from what they are, and why should we trust such people? Great essay.
Thank you Rona-
Your essays are a balm, Elissa. This one is particularly sublime.
Thank you Karen 🙏🏻
What a wonderful and affirming essay. Yes, we too obsessed about Gentleman Jack, Sally Wainright, et al. Love is love!
Thank you xox
Love is Love. I explored much in my college days and realized that I was only in the relationship for the love, for the connection, the talk, the sharing, the laughter, the holding.. I felt then as I do now, what people are doesn't matter to me, what they do, how they behave is what defines them. The older I get , the more I realize it's about bridging ourselves to others and being kind. I am happy the world has flexed a bit, albeit it has a long way to go. Your life is private but sharing as you have opens doors for others struggling. some day. All the best!
Thank you Heide-
Thank you, I think you are amazing!
'Have pride' -- I love that -- so right that everything has changed and nothing has changed -- my trans daughter's struggles appal me and when my youngest was teaching in Indonesia she had students telling her they were praying for her queer soul. Good people who are kind and intelligent will always be needed to support one another.
Thank you Jan -
Thank you for this lovely post.
Thanks, Harry-
Oh how I love your writing
Thank you ❣️
Thank you Janet -
What a wonderful piece of writing. Thank you!
Thanks Jay -
I love what you have written, Elissa. Love is love, and I love you always and forever for your wonderful philosophy.
Thank you for your kind words, cousin. xox
Such a balm of words and history and identity…. I appreciate your post … and especially the final affirmation of community. I haven’t seen Gentleman Jack. Will have to take a look.
Thanks so much. E
Love is love. Too true.
Thank you -
Thank you for answer's I hadn't asked yet..to those pre-thoughts that become gamechangers...I love the comment to your dad..still smiling..just cos you're on the same team...I'm guilty of so much the same..it's not easy on this 62 year old Gammy to change her entire beliefs and I wish you could see how your kindness and charm and talent at writing..is the answer..I am grateful and curios about many things that I've newly embracing my parts, that is very different from the ones that I am so settled with now..thank you IFS! Dr. Swartz.. and I agree..no labels just humans...and if Noone asks about my love life straight..then the same rules apply..just be mindful not vengeful comming from passive aggressive experiences I really appreciate kindness and clear boundaries..ty
Thank you-
Brilliant! I am 61 and my name is Susan ! I very much related to your words.
Hi Susan, thank you-
Just beautiful. 💜
Thank you -
On a trip to Ladakh, India this spring, I was delighted to see 5th graders performing for the entire K-12 school, a skit on the importance of welcoming, including, and never bullying their queer classmates. In INDIA. Happy Pride!
Wonderful, moving essay. I see parts of myself in it as I'm sure many do. I too, stayed in the closet mainly due to the stigma of AIDS in the 80’s and early 90’s and, at the time, due to my job which had “good old boy” thinking. Luckily, a few years before you came to the company I worked for a wonderful woman who was kind, taught me well and took me under her wing. Then in the early 90’s I met my now husband and that the door of the closet opened completely. We met in 1992 and moved in together in 1993, married in 2014….32 years. Unlike so many others, I have been very fortunate that all my family and the majority of friends didn’t give a damn about being gay and have always been there for me. My best to you and Susan – Happy Pride!