When I was a teenager, I wanted to kill myself because I was gay.
Growing up gay in country WA was a uniquely isolating and traumatic experience. I found my homosexuality completely at odds with my identity as a man, and trying to reconcile the two identities seemed impossible.
I have finally shared my story, for the first time, as part of the Bright Lights, No City storytelling project at the Centre for Stories.
You can listen to the audio of my story at the link below. Since the story was created as an oral story – meaning I just practiced the story verbally and have never written a word of it – I am encouraging people to listen to the audio, rather than read the transcript. The story was meant to be heard, not read.
If my story resonates with you, please share it – with your friends, colleagues, students, and with gay people but also with straight people. I told this story partly for myself (catharsis, healing) and partly to help others out there going through the same stuff. Too many LGBTQIA+ youth go through hell, in silence, trying to come to terms with their identity. Too many don’t survive.
I want to do my part in helping to change that.
This is the link to the audio.
If you listen – thank you, it means a lot.
Holden
Holden Thank you for an insight into a world I have not known. This raw, honest story has shed light and added to my understanding of the life of my nephew. It gives me hope.
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Donna, I cannot possibly tell you what it means to me to get this kind of feedback on the story I told. Thank you so much, and I hope all the best for your nephew.
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Geez, you had me glassy eyed. Your story will no doubt help others feel they aren’t alone. It was much better to hear your story rather than read it, it pulled at my heart. You have a great voice as well, you should do an audio book of your next novel. Really well done and thanks for sharing such a personal story. x
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David, thanks for reaching out to me with this comment. It means more than you know. Thanks for the kind words, too – maybe I should narrate more of my stories in audio form! Thank you so much for listening!
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Just read this post, Holden, and your story is testament to what an amazing human you are.
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Thanks Louise! Somehow missed this comment while being all scattered on annual leave. Thank you heaps for reading/listening (and for being there on the night) – it was much appreciated.
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