I had a student in transition a couple of years ago who I mostly just took to lunch, and tried to keep alive until the end of the year. I kept telling them stories of NYC in the 80s, of the struggles people I loved had coming out in the 80s and 90s. One day, exasperated, they said "It's not like being gay! Being gay is normal!"
Oh sweet summer child. Glad we'd come that far. Also glad this lovely person is no longer living in Montana, where their life is in danger.
I hate seeing the right wing try to drive everyone back into closets. Today, we have Montanan's protesting outside the state capitol where the GOP legislative leaders are refusing to recognize a fellow legislator from Missoula because she called them out for the blood that will be on their hands after passing a virulent anti-trans bill. We already have the highest suicide rate in the nation.
Wasn't anything special. They were a kid I liked, who was great company, and who wasn't eating. What else are you going to do? I'm an adult, so I fed them once in a while.
It should be so much more normal than it is! Don't get me started on academics who loathe their students ... but I had any number of adults reach out a hand when I was in my 20s and 30s, so it's always a joy to get to pay it back.
Don’t expect internal logic or consistency in the right to life movement or their political handlers. That said, I concur with all of your positions in this essay and appreciate the uniqueness of your perspective.
Yes, I know. Have been keeping tabs. Collin Street Bakery Fruitcake Capital of the world where Mom ordered from every single year. Hope it was fruitful! Sounds like they were good to you and you made some cool writer friends. Xo
Loved reading this article. You certainly tell the whole story, always, in such a wonderful way, as only you can do. Not only are you brilliant of mind; you are very truthful. We love and respect you always.
I had a student in transition a couple of years ago who I mostly just took to lunch, and tried to keep alive until the end of the year. I kept telling them stories of NYC in the 80s, of the struggles people I loved had coming out in the 80s and 90s. One day, exasperated, they said "It's not like being gay! Being gay is normal!"
Oh sweet summer child. Glad we'd come that far. Also glad this lovely person is no longer living in Montana, where their life is in danger.
I hate seeing the right wing try to drive everyone back into closets. Today, we have Montanan's protesting outside the state capitol where the GOP legislative leaders are refusing to recognize a fellow legislator from Missoula because she called them out for the blood that will be on their hands after passing a virulent anti-trans bill. We already have the highest suicide rate in the nation.
Great piece Elissa -- keep up the good work.
Thank you 🙏🏻
Wasn't anything special. They were a kid I liked, who was great company, and who wasn't eating. What else are you going to do? I'm an adult, so I fed them once in a while.
The seemingly ordinary kindness can be a lifeline. Knowing that and acting on it is indeed special. Thank you.
It should be so much more normal than it is! Don't get me started on academics who loathe their students ... but I had any number of adults reach out a hand when I was in my 20s and 30s, so it's always a joy to get to pay it back.
Your Dad...I see you in his sweet face!
He was a wonderful man. Thank you. ❤️
plus, Shirley! Just can tell what a good woman she was by looking at that expression on her face!
Goosebumps up and down my body after your final paragraph and statement.
Bravo!
Don’t expect internal logic or consistency in the right to life movement or their political handlers. That said, I concur with all of your positions in this essay and appreciate the uniqueness of your perspective.
So very very true.
Also here and also queer. Topic near and dear to my heart.
I love you.
❤️
Thank you.
So true. 💕
What an excellent point. Thank you!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I hear ya. Only I was growing up in Texas, Austin, albeit, but early 70’s. Thanks for your words. Couldn’t agree with you more.
It was somehow lost on me that you were from Austin....I just came from Corsicana.....
Yes, I know. Have been keeping tabs. Collin Street Bakery Fruitcake Capital of the world where Mom ordered from every single year. Hope it was fruitful! Sounds like they were good to you and you made some cool writer friends. Xo
They were lovely and my cohort was extraordinary.
Loved reading this article. You certainly tell the whole story, always, in such a wonderful way, as only you can do. Not only are you brilliant of mind; you are very truthful. We love and respect you always.