This is *exactly* why I wrote the book that I wrote - Good As You:: Gay and Lesbian Activism With a Sense of Humor

« Go back a post || Return to G-A-Y homepage || Haul tail to next post »

07/10/2012

This is exactly why I wrote the book that I wrote

by Jeremy Hooper

I was having a crappy early evening. This gave me some perspective:

Jeremy.

I would like to take just a minute of your time to Thank You. I had the pleasure of stumbling across your "If it's a choice…" book this weekend, and am forever grateful that I did.

I too am a gay man that has struggled with a Midwestern upbringing, trying to figure out my place in this crazy thing called life. From reading your book and website, I see that you are unfortunately aware of the Westboro Baptist Church. Man, what I wouldn't give to Not know who they were! Regrettably I was actually born and raised in Topeka, Kansas. Home to that god awful cult. It was customary to see them all outside the local mall on Saturdays, streets lined with "God Hates Fags" and "Thank God For AIDS" signs. Then there they were outside my church every Sunday morning spewing their hate again. So for as long as I can remember this was my exposure to what I would eventually realize was my fate, or so I had been told. Went all through College and Graduate School continuing to feel this shame, never feeling comfortable being who I knew I was truly meant to be.

Finally, after many years and many trials and tribulations (I won't bore you with the details ;-), at the ripe young age of 27, I built up enough courage to come out and be honest to everyone about who I really was. It's kind of ironic that this week is actually the one year anniversary of that event. I think it is fate that I found your book when I did. I has not only solidified my decision to finally come out, but has given me more hope for my future that I could possibly ever Thank You for. Your book felt as if you were in my brain and heart, articulating what I have never had the courage to say myself.

Every few chapters something would strike me that I thought would help someone that I care about to understand me better. So back to Amazon I went to order another copy. I've already had four additional copies shipped to various people, and know I'm not done yet! I hope my brother reads it more than anyone…

I'm sorry for rambling. I just wanted you to know how powerful your book has been for me. It's not everyday that one can feel so understood and normal. That is exactly what you're writing has done for me.

I wish for all the happiness and love for You and Andrew. You deserve all the blessings life has to offer. You both are a true inspiration.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[name redacted]