We are Just Like You
As the daughter of a pastor, my decision to come out was a difficult one. First, I confided in my sister. I will never forget that night, creeping into her room at age 14, far past midnight, and whispering to her like a child would. Next, I told my parents. My mom cried at first, but from that day until this one they have epitomized support. Finally, I told a few close friends. And suddenly, the whole town knew.
To this day, I don’t really know how it happened. My initial reaction was anger. Embarrassment. Horror. I found myself, as a straight-A overachiever, in a place I had never been before: the gossip mill. Thankfully, I have received very little backlash over the last three years, save for a few mothers who have banned me from their homes. I hope they know that every hurtful word has only made me stronger. All in all, I’ve been pretty lucky. Those who matter never really minded, and I am proud of the person I’ve become.
We are students. We are politicians. We are mothers, teachers, musicians, athletes and chefs. We are dancers. We are Homecoming Queens. We are the people behind you at the stoplight. We are in the next booth over, the never desk over, the next pew over. At the end of the day, we are all people. We are just like you.
This is an amazing site and i expect a lot from it. When our media class gets to photos i shall prove to be exceptional. ^_^
This is a really awesome article. I admire you for your courage and think this is really well written.
This article was pretty amazing. It touched me in the heart. This was very good writing.
As another preacher’s kid from Newport and grad who also came out later in life, I totally support Avery. I know all to well what the conflicts of religion and struggles of being gay can do to a person. I played sports in high school, both football and track, and struggled with who I was. It is good to see others face the same challenges and have the courage to come out and be supported.
very inspiring….maybe you could think about writing a longer article that goes into detail a bit more on this issue? its about time homosexuality is accepted. people should be free to be happy in all aspects of life
Thanks, Avery, for your courage in publishing this essay. Newport can be proud of you! And you are exactly right – until we see the faces of the people that are so easily placed in an undesired “category,” we can turn our backs. When we see you as our daughters, our leaders, our friends, our neighbors, our congregational members, we are compelled to change our views and loosen the blinders that keep us in ignorance. When we see and understand and open ourselves to compassion, we will learn to follow the Gospel and work for justice.
You go, girl!
As you now know, and maybe knew before the experience, those who are in the right, who are good people of an admirable disposition and sterling character, have nothing to fear from exposure. It is said that sunlight is the best disinfectant but it is not so harsh to those who have little that need be disinfected. I believe it safe to say, Avery, that more than just the people who read this blog are happy for you and rejoice with you that those who truly matter were, in the end, those who could hear you for your cause. Congratulations.
I find this piece very intriguing, i caught my eye right when i saw your picture, your a very courageous young lady and i applaud you for that Avery Heater.
Way to go, Avery! Your courage to be forthright and accepting of who you are does a great service for many for are still struggling to accept who they are. I’m on the board of the Oregon Safe Schools and Communities Coalition and stories from young people like you are exactly what’s needed make a positive difference in the lives of others. Thank you for being an inspiration.