The holidays are often quite difficult for some LGBT individuals, many of them young, who are distanced from their families. Although they long to be with these families, the ridicule and judgments make this difficult, miserable, or even impossible. Recently, I wrote the following poem as I pondered some of these stories. To those who are hurting I say: My heart is with you this season; please know that you are not alone. I hope that one day you will be accepted by your family and celebrated for the unique individual you are. Don’t give up; keep up your journey. Love yourself; recognize that they hurt you because they simply don’t understand yet. This is not to justify their actions, there is no justification for such, but it is to let you know that we stand with you. We are cheering you on! May you find your happiness and peace; if you need help, reach out. We will not have all the answers, but we will listen.
Your Game
The blow you deal strikes hard
Within the deepest point of my soul;
Not a physical blow, but to some, yes,
A blow of pain, scorn, and rejection.
You even mock my reaction to this blow
As if I should feel no pain, offense.
Yet you cry out in the dark of night
As your toe meets the corner of the bed.
Child’s play, comparatively.
Your blow leaves wounds, scars.
No bandage conceals it, no medicine heals it
I taste the pain in each slow breath.
My absence labeled selfish
Yet your contempt is the true culprit.
I would not choose detachment
Home is where I belong.
To pretend I am not me
Is to erase my existence;
I will rise—I will be me
I will not play your game.
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