On coming out, as writer or as LGBTQIA+
A member of my writing group raised a question at the last meeting and I've been pondering it ever since. She's a fine writer, and is working on a coming-of-age novel which circles around the process of deconstructing from rightwing conservative Christian formation. At the meeting, she expressed something real, discouraging, and painful, wondering aloud if she should just give up on the book. Why? Because of the potential hurt it could create for people she loves. And the potential for putting her in the sights of extremists who've been emboldened by the current political environment. I listened as others offered their thoughts while gathering my own, eventually saying essentially this: You're right. People will be upset. Your Mom will struggle, feeling as if she must have screwed up along the way, worrying about the state of your eternal soul. Members of your Mom's congregation will murmur about you leading other souls straight to hell. Once the book is out, you c...
