I like how you have named the cafe and, I believe it's a real place not fictional...it instantly brings the reader sitting at the table beside you, feeling the frostiness in the atmosphere.

Once again you tell a story of your life and the struggles you are facing right now....I can tell by your words that you're not looking for sympathy just understanding and, if you can't get it from those close to you how can you move on. I wish I had an answer for you but , apart from saying give them time, I really don't have one but I hope, for your sake, you find it soon.

Thank you for sharing this with us MA and good luck to you.

This is sad but wonderful in equal measures! Wonderful how you've described both your surroundings and feelings of you and your mother. I love how you're guilt and shame free, as you should be, but also how you understand that her response is one of fear.

Sad that the fear exists at all.

I'm happy that we live in a far more accepting society now (I'm not saying they're aren't issues obvs). I'm proud that my son, while straight, embraces the various sexual orientations of his friends and it's just no big deal.

I feel this is a valuable piece to read as a parent. A reminder that if your child 'comes out' to you, it's about them, not about the parent. The parent's job is to love. Sexual orientation isn't something you can guide or influence. It just is.

Thanks for sharing this really great, 'thinky' piece. I hope she overcomes her fear very soon :-) x
=^.^=

This deeply has touched my heart and I just can picture that moment. I sense a certain coldness while you are pouring out your heart. I do strongly believe that people are born a certain way and nobody has the right to judge. People will fear the unknown rather then trying to understand it. That will never change it is unfortunate. Thank you for sharing and I will add to my favorite. All the very best to you

Coincidentally or not, MA, I watched a movie last night from 2001 called 'Lost and Delirious' (Piper Perabo and Jessica Ware) and it's about two girls who fall in love at school and the obvious hardships/torment they go through. But there's a scene in it where one girl replies to another 'Are you serious? A f.....k lesbian? we're not f....g lesbians, we're just two people in love!" (or some such - it was along those lines). The point is, the sex of two people is unimportant; it is the love between them that counts.
Aside from that, it was a darn good movie...give it a watch.

Take care,

Ben

Mary Anne, I am glad this is nominated, it needs to be front page. I'm sorry your mom is having such a hard time accepting you for you. Stay strong, stick to your beliefs and who you love is who you love. Unfortunately you will always have people who won't accept you, never let them to deter you from being your true self. Hugs-

An arrow to the core. Beautiful.

I don't think whatever we do we can really fit in with our Mothers ideas or expectations. They come from a different generation with different experiences and outlooks on life. I am so much the opposite of my mother in character, expectations and out look on life that if she was not my mother and I didn't love her I sometimes wonder if we would still stay in touch at all.

I think that the biggest gift that anyone can give to another is to accept them entirely for who they are, just as they are faults and all and the biggest gift you can give to yourself is to be true to yourself despite what anyone else things. There is a saying that sums it up "The path to true happiness is just to be comfortable in your own skin"

(unless that is of course you are a mass murderer, sadist, rapist, bully or other criminal type who inflicts harm on others)

All my best wishes Milly x

Thank you to every one of you for reading and for your continued support <3

And Ben, I will have to look up that movie sometime. Thanks!

I am speechless

This is beautiful. You have me feeling for you and feeling for your mum you've written it so well.

I love your last line, that says it all for me.
(It brought out the pedant in me though - "reign" is what a queen does and "reins" are used on a horse, so I think you mean ".... and rein it in?"?)