THE FUSE

Growing up gay in a small village was tough but I was raised by fairly liberal, secular parents. My first coming out (to my parents) wasn’t difficult because they accepted my sexual orientation. However, I will always remember my father’s comment: “I hope you won’t wear dresses”, and my mother’s question: “Will you not want to get married?” These comments struck me because the message was “You’re ok to be gay but can you be a gay version that is comfortable for us… and our neighbours?”