After two weeks of steady writing, I always get to the point of emotional exaustion. Unfortunately, there’s ALWAYS something bad happen to us. Being black, queer, and chronically ill and trying to fight for all these groups at the same time is insane.

I can’t stop though. Every time I want to I see this little kid crying themselves to sleep asking God why they’re broken. I see tombstones of lives that ended way too soon because of vile hatred. I see young adults still giving into self harming habits because society taught them to hate themselves.

It lights a fire under me. I get so angry I have to write. I have to show up for any LGBTQ person that’s thinking death is the only option. I have to spark hope and inspire change. I just can’t turn my back on them like people have done to me.

I need to be the voice I needed when I was growing up for the people coming behind me. If I save just one queer kid from falling into the dark pit of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts then it was all worth it. That’s why I write.

Thank you, Marley, for taking the time to read my pieces and respond. I’ll always greatly appreciate you. ❤️

-Brian