My HuffPost essay was published today. I’m really proud of it, even though the trolls are coming at me HARD. Wow. I wish this world was kinder and gentler. I choose to remain as kind and gentle as I can. It’s hard to be so angry and judgy. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this one. Feel free to share if it moves you. XO
Trigger warnings: childhood sexual abuse, rape Yesterday, I said to a friend, “I am so angry all the time. I can feel it bubbling up
And the state of my heart. I am tired. It’s only July, the election isn’t until November, and I am exhausted. And I am angry.
Three days ago, we said, “Psych! Just kidding.” But we still have music. And books. And dogs. I didn’t get much sleep last night. Or
12 Responses
I read your Huffpost article started following you and ordered your book, no I’m not a stalker. Thank you for the article, I just love when people write honestly no matter the repercussions. I am sorry that some find it necessary to go after you. I came out early in life, it was a different time. I just wanted to say Bravo!
I wish you the best,
Mare
Thank you so much for your kind words (and for not being a stalker!). 🙂 I have such admiration and respect for those who came out before me for blazing such a difficult trail. Thank you for that. XO
Thanks for your story. Trolls are small people with small minds and small hearts. I just downloaded a sample of Parting Gifts and I look forward to reading your next book.
“Small minds and small hearts.” That is so true. Thank you for your kind words.
I stumbled across your article on huffpost by chance, and I’m so glad that I did. I am a lesbian myself, and I love late-in-life coming out stories. More than anything, I loved your writing. I could tell by your poetic writing voice that you are an author. I hope I get the chance to read your book sometime, (I’m an english student, so I’ve got a long “to read” list I need to work through first) but I wish you the best of luck in your journeys.
Thank you so much! I remember all the reading that went along with studying English, so I 100% understand your priorities. I very much appreciate your kind words of support, and I wish you all the best in your studies and in life!
I thought it was a beautiful, inspiring, brave piece. Unfortunately when you put your story out there, the trolls will find you. You’re a brilliant writer, so tune them out – your story will help others. Hurry up with your memoir!!
Thank you so much! And yes, the trolls definitely found me!! My memoir is finished… I’m just looking for a publishing home now. Hopefully, I’ll find one soon! XO
I’ve followed you from the very beginning from your days as a suburban mom and then when everything in your life took a complete left turn into the unknown. While being unfailing honest in the article, you don’t dwell on the incredible emotional and financial toll this decision cost you, I read it word for word in your blog posts and my heart broke for you as you lost friends, your mom and took every lonely, desperate foot forward. I’m celebrating your success so much Katrina as if we’ve been friends forever. Cheers!🍷
Dear Chris, your words mean so much to me! As someone who has been there from the beginning, I so appreciate you really seeing me and recognizing the journey. I think we probably have been friends forever! So grateful to have you here. XO
Just read the essay on HuffPost, and it led me here.
Congratulations on finding yourself, even if it meant finding out the intangible cost of authenticity. It’s not a cost measured in dollars and sense, but when you subtract the negative experiences and add all the positive ones, you’ll always come out ahead. I was fortunate enough to find myself in my late teens (suddenly all those feelings for all those girls made sense), but I kept it hidden until I could no longer, and 20-some-odd years later after actually coming out, none of the negativity I faced back then even matters now.
Keep on being the best you that you can be, Katrina… No matter what anyone says.
Cheers from Australia!
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your story! You’re so right… the negativity I faced then gets smaller and smaller in my rearview mirror as life moves on. I’m so happy that’s the case for you, too! Sending warm US hugs back to you. XO