“I knew I was a lesbian, and I also knew I wouldn’t disguise who I was,
because to do so would send the message to my son Drew
there was something wrong with it.
If I didn’t name it, if I didn’t share it,
if I didn’t acknowledge it, if I didn’t own it,
if I wasn’t proud of it,
he was going to believe there was something wrong with it.
That became my mantra.
If I never in my life denied I was a lesbian,
if I treated it as just a part of my life,
then he would be okay with it.”
Teresa Williams a/k/a Pretty (1980s)
Southern Perspectives on the Queer Movement: Committed to Home
Today on International Women’s Day, I celebrate one of the women I most admire for her courage in her journey toward living an authentic life not only for herself but also for her son in the days before Will and Grace and Ellen. With obstacles on every side, without the support of the family who had always been there for her, this warrior mother stood up, came out and never looked back.
What would I do without Pretty…her warrior spirit lives on every day. I’m glad she’s on my side, too.
Drew, Pretty and me
Stay tuned.
I'll Call It Like I See It 
Comments
8 responses to “on International Women’s Day, I salute Pretty”
FROM THE HEART SHEILA, CHINA
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Back at you, China
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We all need a Pretty in our lives! Thank you Pretty for being proud of who you are.
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Pretty says thank you – so sweet.
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Pretty courageous, I’d say and every word true. But as we know, the truth isn’t always well received. I love this picture, by the way. You all make me smile and give me hope.
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Thanks so much, Susanne – and so true about truth. I love the picture, too – it was taken a couple of weeks ago at Drew’s wife’s twin sister’s wedding. Whew. We are so thankful that our rocky road with teenager Drew has turned into this joy with him in his adult years. We love his wife, too. They give us hope.
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Her story really is one of bravery and living fierce in a time and place where it was safer to hide. Pretty is your Amazing Amazon.
Hugs to you both!!
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She truly is! Hugs back to our friends in the great state of Pennsylvania!
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