I am a Pariah in My Community

I live in a small town in Texas in the middle of the Southern Baptist/Pentecostal Bible Belt. I am 46 years old and I am fortunate enough to have been raised by a forward-thinking mother and tolerant father. I am straight, married for 22 years and have two straight boys, ages 18 and 16. From birth, I have taught them as my mother taught me that being different is okay as long as you are true to yourself.

Both have gay and bisexual friends who come to my home to hang out. Because I “allow” children to be themselves at my home and discuss their sexuality openly, I am a pariah in my town. My house has been egged, my children have been shunned and we are no longer welcome in our church. I will not close my home to any child, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation.

My home remains open to all …. because I Give A Damn!