23 Comments

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.

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Apr 24, 2023Liked by Elissa Altman

Your Dad...I see you in his sweet face!

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Apr 24, 2023Liked by Elissa Altman

Goosebumps up and down my body after your final paragraph and statement.

Bravo!

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Apr 25, 2023Liked by Elissa Altman

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.

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So very very true.

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Apr 26, 2023Liked by Elissa Altman

Also here and also queer. Topic near and dear to my heart.

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I love you.

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Apr 25, 2023Liked by Elissa Altman

Thank you.

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Apr 24, 2023Liked by Elissa Altman

So true. 💕

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Apr 24, 2023Liked by Elissa Altman

What an excellent point. Thank you!

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Apr 24, 2023Liked by Elissa Altman

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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Apr 24, 2023Liked by Elissa Altman

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.

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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.

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