we were in college. she was in the room across the hall and we were really close. it was extra complicated too because she had a huge crush on me and would write me really long letters and it was an unreturned sentiment on my behalf, but we were really good friends. i don't think her attempt was related to her feelings for me though and we've since patched things up (although lost touch over the years). yes, in the US that is a huge issue obviously -- our completely fucked up medical system and burden of care.

so so wonderful that this generation has so much more support than we did! great insightful and compassionate points too about your parents and their generation.

So we did have to hide and deny our truths about loving one another outside the heteronormative standard.

is this because you grew up rurally? i suppose i think of canada as generally so much more accepting and progressive than here. most rural pockets here are also incredibly heteronormative and bigoted (this is where i currently live lol and that presents its unique challenges).

i feel our parent's generation also was so focused on playing along in the cultural story for that safety too that there's a huge boundary they must cross to accept their errant children- like us :) my parents have way relaxed over the years and hey, i've even started rubbing off on them :) i so look forward to your next post! feel free to drop me a line when you post it so i don't miss it :)

here is the invite to the suicide prevention discord server. i'm not actually very active in there myself, but i will be putting out an herbal allies for anxiety support series soon and will drop it in there.

much love!