“The first act of violence that patriarchy demands of males is not violence toward women. Instead, patriarchy demands of all males that they engage in acts of psychic self-mutilation, that they kill off the emotional parts of themselves.” This touches me deeply, as a mother of three sons who have struggled against these forces all their lives. That they have come out on the other side tells me something about who they’ve become and I’m proud to be in their presence. Thank you for sharing your own battle. You are a gift!
Thank you for this, truly. There’s something holy in the way you witness your sons—not as what the world tried to make of them, but as who they chose to become in spite of it. That kind of survival, that quiet daily refusal to sever feeling from flesh, is its own kind of brilliance. And the fact that you’ve held space for them—lovingly, fiercely—is no small thing. It’s revolution in slow motion. I feel honored to share even a thread of that story with you. We don’t always get to see what healing looks like, but here you are, living proof. Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for loving them like that. 🥹🙏🏾
“The first act of violence that patriarchy demands of males is not violence toward women. Instead, patriarchy demands of all males that they engage in acts of psychic self-mutilation, that they kill off the emotional parts of themselves.” This touches me deeply, as a mother of three sons who have struggled against these forces all their lives. That they have come out on the other side tells me something about who they’ve become and I’m proud to be in their presence. Thank you for sharing your own battle. You are a gift!
Thank you for this, truly. There’s something holy in the way you witness your sons—not as what the world tried to make of them, but as who they chose to become in spite of it. That kind of survival, that quiet daily refusal to sever feeling from flesh, is its own kind of brilliance. And the fact that you’ve held space for them—lovingly, fiercely—is no small thing. It’s revolution in slow motion. I feel honored to share even a thread of that story with you. We don’t always get to see what healing looks like, but here you are, living proof. Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for loving them like that. 🥹🙏🏾
“Black, queer, broken-open and rebuilding,” and simply beautiful.
Thank you, @Jordan Ali I appreciate you ♥️
♥️ Likewise, brother.
You are such a beautiful writer ❤️✨🥹 thank you for this !
Thank you for those incredibly kind words, and thank you sitting with this piece. I appreciate that more than you know. ♥️ 😊
Absolutely beautiful writing! Thank you for your words! Your voice matters and is important! ❤️
Thank you, Jen! ♥️