16 Comments
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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Hello beautiful Katrina.

I loved reading every bit of your raw honesty in the relationship with your mother and children. Rebellion and revelation and revolution rings through throughout this entire piece especially your children refusing to dress alike. I love that. Happy pride month every day, I stand with you and have my own stories. 🧡💜💙💚

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

The 3 Rs. I love that, Prajna. <3

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Jenny  Tucker's avatar

I was never more proud of my parenting when Grace, after realizing she was queer in college, said to me, "Did you know some kids can't tell their parents they're gay? I couldn't believe that!" We are changing the narrative, my friend. Generational trauma ends with us!

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

That is such a testament to your amazing parenting, my friend!! XO

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Leslie Ann's avatar

🏳️‍🌈 🩵

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Matt Bays's avatar

Happy Pride. I have no doubt they are both celebrating with you.

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

Me, too, Matty Matt Matt. Love you. XO

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Sarelle McCoard's avatar

Beautiful essay. Thank you for sharing your story and the reminder that after everything all there is is LOVE. 🌈

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

Thank you, Sarelle. <3

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Kara Norman's avatar

This is so so beautiful. Tears jumping out of my eyes! I also need a whole Tumblr called “Ruby in the Shower” - just entire scrolls of this sweet girl hiding in strange spots. Thank you for this tender capture of your mom’s love and adaptation - and I loved meeting that sassy mullet sporter. I’m so sorry you had to hide her for so long and am glad she’s come out to play now 🫶🏽🧜🏻‍♂️

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

If I knew how Tumbler worked, Kara, I would start "Ruby in the Shower" immediately! I have soooo many pictures of that sweet girl in all the showers. XO

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Mary Austin (she/her)'s avatar

Happy Pride!

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

Happy Pride, Mary! <3

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Dani Chase's avatar

Thank you for sharing your story and the various complexities. I see you, and I can resonate. You may not have been out my goodness in these photos there were SIGNS! 🏳️‍🌈

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Julie Snider's avatar

Happy Pride, Katrina! Your sweet mother found her heart after you came out to her, which is a blessing. When I came out to my mom, my father had passed away less than a year before. She said, “Now I feel like I’ve lost both of you.” But time, and the support of her sister, helped her open her heart to me. May we continue to revel in our true natures, continue teaching others that it’s OK to be one’s real self.

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Joanne Butler Henry's avatar

Happy Pride to you. It takes what it takes in terms of time. My son came out to me when he was 16, his birthday. (he just turned 40) - his younger sister when she was in college, 15 years his junior. Different generation. I have friends my age who came out later - because they couldn't imagine having the life they wanted (teaching, serving) and being out as gay, ostracized, censored. May we all rise up against this backlash against our unique differences that make us human. What we share is love.

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