Several of you have asked me to produce for all of you a reading list for this summer. While I am inclined to give you all the titles of my favorite books, journals, thought provoking words -- I refuse to do it. It's not because I am selfish and want to keep all knowledge to myself. But because I want to challenge all of you to start questioning yourselfs.
What is it that YOU need in your life? What are some of the avenues in which you can find that?
During the early days of coming out beautiful struggle -- I yearned to read about someone that could resemble my desires. My dislike for myself, the hatred I had for my family, the jealousy that ran through my body as I saw openly queer students. I needed someone to tell me that I was going to be okay.
I just needed to hear. But I could not speak to anyone about it. No. If i opened my mouth to someone, then everyone would find out. At my old high school, everything got around--and fast.
It was then when I ran into "The Geography Club." I went to the library and with all the strength in the word I typed: gay. An array of texts appeared on the screen. I was scared, my heart was beating like it had never done before. Were my actions legal? Could I get in trouble? What if people walking behind me saw what I had just typed?
I narrowed down my selection to teen fiction--and found The Geography Club. It was the perfect club. There was nothing "gay" about "The Geography Club." Took that book home and read it in three days. And I would do the same every week for the remaining of my high school career.
And that is what I want all of you to experience. You searching for yourself. The experience is that much beautiful. You wont regret it.
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you." -- Maya Angelou.
I want to hear that story when I return.
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