"Being an author is freeing in a way. We can explore our likes and dislikes, unique situations and challenges, and say and do things we never thought possible for ourselves." I love this and find it so true. this was an awesome essay--thank you so much for sharing!
Kudos to you for finding your authenticity. I believe it's the only path to true happiness. You deserve exactly the type of relationship and love you desire. I feel sure you're on your way to finding it. Thanks for sharing.
Feeling very seen, thank you for writing and sharing your story!! I find that I have been exploring my queerness through stories (especially manga and anime--it was Ouran High School Host Club and Ranma 1/2 instead of NANA in my youth), as well. Haruhi from Ouran was my first glimpse into someone that could embrace masculinity and feminity. It's funny how obvious it feels when looking back.
Stories give me space to explore other types of relationships and attractions that are fulfilling to me, not as a replacement to my loving partner, but as a complement to understanding how I experience joy, attraction, love; what an uncertain yet wonderful time to be queer!
"Queerness isn’t something I chose to be or chose to do. Queerness is inherent to who I am as a person and who I look for in a partner. Queer is an identity I use proudly, an identity I reclaimed for myself through years of learning how to get out of my own way and just be." Brilliant, Karmen. As someone who had to find her queerness in the not-so-progressive 1980's, I'm so happy to read that you're allowing yourself to be methodically figure yourself out and act on your feelings in your own time.
"Being an author is freeing in a way. We can explore our likes and dislikes, unique situations and challenges, and say and do things we never thought possible for ourselves." I love this and find it so true. this was an awesome essay--thank you so much for sharing!
Kudos to you for finding your authenticity. I believe it's the only path to true happiness. You deserve exactly the type of relationship and love you desire. I feel sure you're on your way to finding it. Thanks for sharing.
Feeling very seen, thank you for writing and sharing your story!! I find that I have been exploring my queerness through stories (especially manga and anime--it was Ouran High School Host Club and Ranma 1/2 instead of NANA in my youth), as well. Haruhi from Ouran was my first glimpse into someone that could embrace masculinity and feminity. It's funny how obvious it feels when looking back.
Stories give me space to explore other types of relationships and attractions that are fulfilling to me, not as a replacement to my loving partner, but as a complement to understanding how I experience joy, attraction, love; what an uncertain yet wonderful time to be queer!
"Queerness isn’t something I chose to be or chose to do. Queerness is inherent to who I am as a person and who I look for in a partner. Queer is an identity I use proudly, an identity I reclaimed for myself through years of learning how to get out of my own way and just be." Brilliant, Karmen. As someone who had to find her queerness in the not-so-progressive 1980's, I'm so happy to read that you're allowing yourself to be methodically figure yourself out and act on your feelings in your own time.
Writing is a great way to learn about yourself, your past, and all those mixed feelings we suffer in silence.
I am not queer, but am happy to hear how you found yourself and are on the way to a true and loving life.
The Open Secrets essays are consistently excellent. This is no exception.