When I was a child, we (the boys) were taught not to linger in men's restrooms, because homosexuals were in there and would do unknown things to us then cut off our genitalia and leave us to die. The story has changed some, but it's essentially the same. Fear and ignorance mixed together make a horrible brew.
The irony is, a member of my family abused me. Not a stranger, not a drag queen, not even a homosexual. I don't believe what I was told about men's rooms. I did then.
Oh, Kevin. I didn't know that. I know there's nothing I can say to make that better, let alone to make it not have happened. But please know that if I could, I would. 💔
I know it's not the basis of my problems. I was already damaged by then. But I started using my crutches that I had to stop when I had my heart attack at 43. Smoking heavily, drinking, and drugs. I was 12.
Thanks for sharing this, Robin. Definitely illustrates how this fearmongering isn't based on real threats.
When I was a child, we (the boys) were taught not to linger in men's restrooms, because homosexuals were in there and would do unknown things to us then cut off our genitalia and leave us to die. The story has changed some, but it's essentially the same. Fear and ignorance mixed together make a horrible brew.
You got that right. I wish I had trouble believing that what you describe actually happened to boys. But I know you. And I know it's true.
I'm sorry.
The irony is, a member of my family abused me. Not a stranger, not a drag queen, not even a homosexual. I don't believe what I was told about men's rooms. I did then.
Oh, Kevin. I didn't know that. I know there's nothing I can say to make that better, let alone to make it not have happened. But please know that if I could, I would. 💔
I know it's not the basis of my problems. I was already damaged by then. But I started using my crutches that I had to stop when I had my heart attack at 43. Smoking heavily, drinking, and drugs. I was 12.
And despite all this, you are a warm, wonderful, loving person. I admire you.
Thank you, Robin. You don't know what that means to me.