Letters and Poetry from our Inside Family

Dear Family,

I want to take time to tell our LGBTQ family that if it feels like you’re going through something alone, or feels like you’re alone, just know your self worthiness. Be positive and just know you are valued. Most importantly, remember you are loved and that you are worth more than gold and diamonds. You’re part of a Big Family (LGBTQ Family). Just know you’re somebody and that you’re loved. We all go through hard times so lift your head up and be proud of who you are and fight back. You’re not alone.

James (OK)

Dear Fam,

I’m writing about an issue that’s been bothering me for a while now. So I’ve got a boner to pick with you guys and I figure the best, quickest way to get some action (and who doesn’t like action?) is to bring it to the family and just lay it out there bare and see who grabs it and gives it a squeeze.

My problem is that as a straightappearing guy who likes other straight-appearing guys (I think you call that cis but I’m too old to keep up with all the new tags and labels and pronouns), I feel unrepresented by Black and Pink and the LGBTQI+ (and all the rest of the alphabet and numerals and symbols and

‘tudes) progressive movement in general.

I’ve been reading B&P since B&P was little more than a post-it note and I always used to find it fulfilling. But lately, it’s gone all trans, all the time. Even the letters from family are 95 percent trans now. And while I love our sisters, I don’t like getting shoved back in the closet and ignored. It just seems as if my orientation isn’t trendy enough for people to even give a little print space or air time anymore.

Now, granted, the issue might just be other non-trans guys are feeling a little intimated or dissed like I am and that’s why they aren’t writing anymore. If that’s the case, well, I’m here to listen to (read) your stories, problems, pleas for attention, whatever ya got. So write, okay? I need the connection B &P offers me to guys who want love with other guys like themselves. By that I mean, men with men. We’re not dinosaurs to be relegated to museums and history books now that a new identity has taken over the media spotlight. The girls have their plight and it deserves attention. But we still count. We still contribute. We’re still part of the rainbow, even if our sisters are making all of the news lately. Talk to me, manly men. I’m dyin’ of loneliness here.

Sincerely,

Jack D. (TX)

I’m Sorry

I am on the inside looking out, watching my life pass by, Sitting in a prison cell asking myself why

Why I have done the things I did, to wind up in this lace, While you my love sit at home, with tears upon your face. I try to write you letters, to tell you to be strong, I try to write I am sorry but the words come out all wrong

How can I expect you, to want me to come home, after all the things I have done, since I have left you all alone.

I have asked God for his guidance and he reached into my heart, he said with faith and honesty, it’s the only way to start.

So let me start by saying I am sorry for hurting you and my love, once I get out, we’ll start our lives anew.

We’ll build our lives in honesty with faith in God above. For with God watching over us, we’ll have the purest love.

So, as you’re writing letters, listen for the phone, for some day I will call and say, honey I’m coming home.

Until that day arrives, there’s one thing you must do and that is remember how much I love you

B-Baby Terry B (AR)