KNOCK. KNOCK.

Knock. Knock.

Knock. Knock. It's me. I'm the child you created but then refused to see. No drugs. No violence. Never did anything wrong. The only mistake I made, took sixty seconds too long. I sat down with you both since, you know, I thought we were close. Decided to share my truth. Mom. Dad. I love you. We love you too. I needed to share a part of me that was hidden from you. I couldn't find the words to say. So I just blurted it out--I think I'm gay...

A hush filled the room then BOOM dad screamed louder than ever before, didn't let me explain, jumped up, and just opened the door. Leave now I can't bear to see your face. You disgust me. You're such a disgrace. Displaced love quickly turned into hate...wait.

Knock. Knock. I've come back to say. When you tossed me out just for being gay, you discarded me, and condemned me to hell. I almost got lost, down into darkness I fell. I loved you unconditionally, with the heart of a child. My heart hardened. I was bitter for a while. Today I stand in a better place and needed to come by and see your face to show you I made it--despite your hate.

Your homophobic, melodramatic, almost archaic beliefs threatened to claim my soul. But, I didn't let them. It took some time but I snatched control of a life forgotten, as I roamed downtrodden, withered down to nothing. I rose one morning never to wilt again. I found my place in a world built on the foundation of the discarded before me. I let go of my anger and hate for you as I slowly embraced the love I had for me. I found my strength among my friends that have now replaced you. My family, they accept my truth...

Knock. Knock. I'm gay.


Written by Stacey L. Pierce
2012 by Stacey Pierce