Chapter 1

Raven

We all have our coming out stories.

In the past week I have read over a hundred coming out stories and watched many coming out videos. I needed the courage to come out to my parents.

I had a big religious family. We all still lived close by to visit each other and we were all raised and born Christians. So maybe watching  hundreds of coming out stories was crazy but my family were not always so accepting.

But when I weighed my pros and cons. I realized I had a chance to be accepted by my family so I could be myself. Nobody wanted to date someone in the closet.

My past girlfriends liked PDA and not to be hidden. For fucks sake we’re over 18. It was ridiculous to hide while kissing and look over my shoulder when holding my girlfriend’s hand.

So they broke up with me because I had no courage to tell my parents I was gay and very much interested in changing my wardrobes from dresses and skirts to ripped baggy jeans and graphic T-shirts.

I was going to leave for college in 3 months so that left me with enough time come out, change my style to be myself and flaunt my gayness away.

I practiced my speech one last time then made way to the living room. I only had one little sister and an older sibling who moved oceans away the first chance he got. I never understood why my brother moved away from our family.

I walked in the dining room just in time for dinner. We all sat down while my mother dished out for us. I contemplated waiting but my stomach was so tight, there was nothing going in my mouth until I got it over with.

So before prayer. I breathed out, gripping on my shaking hands. I felt nausea rise up my chest.

“Mom, Dad. There is something I need to talk to you about” I announced with a rough strained voice.

“What is it Raven?. Are you in trouble?” My father asked greatly concerned.

“You are scaring us honey. What’s the matter?”

My mouth crammed up as I try to get my dry throat to make a sound. I squeecked grabbing a glass of water with shaking hands. I felt so cold.

“I umm…I know that our society is a judgemental place to live in. I just want…want to tell you as my parents. T-to know this part I-I discovered about me. So um uh I… here it goes… Mom and Dad I am…I am g-gay. I m-mean a les-lesbian. I.. I like girls in a- a roma…”

“What!!!” My father’s voice boomed through the whole house.

I swallowed watching him stand along with my mother. Her expression was that of someone who could not believe if it was happening or not while my father was utterly furious.

“Repeat that… what did you just say Raven?” My father growled looming over me.

“I- I’m a les-lesbian”

The second I finished the last word, my body was forced off the chair and thrown against the wall with manly force only my father could master. I let out a scream from pain.

“No child of mine will stray away to promote the devil’s work!!”

“Daddy?” I heard Reagan, my little sister’s voice from afar.

“I will not allow it. Not while I’m alive!!. Josephine!” I heard my father call my mother, his voice strained in rage.

“Yes Aaron?”

“Call the priest. Our daughter has been possessed. He will know what to do”

I heard his loud footsteps and banging of the front door. I was left lying on the floor. My head aching from the impact and I felt pain in my back.

I had known my family. I knew them and I couldn’t believe that man who threw my body like I’m an animal. He could not have been my father.

My father would never hurt me like that.

Safe to say my coming out story didn’t end with hugs and kisses of acceptance. I thought it was over but I had no idea what was coming next.

I didn’t see it coming.

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