Growing up gay or lesbian is difficult enough, but having no literature which exemplifies this lifestyle sends a clear message to every gay little girl and boy that they should remain invisible. All fairytales scream heterosexuality. Just once, I’d love to see Cinderella bump into Snow White’s glass coffin on the way to the ball, give her that proverbial kiss and live happily ever after in lesbian bliss. This is the basis of my book Sticks and Stones. These are four gender bending fairytales affirming that all lives are sacred and all love is good. There is no preaching, no weak females waiting to be rescued by the handsome prince, and no two dimensional men without flaws. These are the gay community’s politically correct fairytales. Complete with battles, monsters and magic potions they will keep both adults and children waiting to see what happens next.
I was born the youngest of 5 in a staunch Catholic family. My mother, through example, taught me the power of writing. I began writing in grade school, continuing into adulthood. Most of my writing was benign due to my closeted lifestyle. I watched all of my siblings get married in succession and felt I had no choice and soon followed suit. Seven years and one child later the marriage was over. My closet door was swinging open. The day I told my mother I was a lesbian I cried and apologized. She responded by saying, "I love you. Don’t ever apologize for who you are."
This was a turning point for me. All those suppressed emotions finally came pouring out onto the page. Since then I have had several articles and a short story published. I’m still waiting for that book deal. I’m living happily and openly in eastern Massachusetts with my partner of three years, daughter and two stepsons. I have a master’s degree in education and I teach eighth grade social studies in an inner city school. Some day I hope to be a full time writer.
Life is good!
The King gazed upon Labrys with amazed bewilderment. Were his eyes deceiving him? For he looked upon a woman more beautiful as any other . He could not speak. He walked toward the beautiful stranger he thought he had known so well. He slowly circled around her trying to make sense of what he was seeing. Labrys stood still allowing the King to adjust his senses.
"How can this be?" King Henry began. "How can a woman have served on my court and have been my closest confidant for all these years without me knowing it?"
His confusion turned to anger. Pointing a finger in Labrys’ face he screamed, "How dare you make a fool of me and a mockery of this court! To think I wanted you to wed my daughter! I will be a laughing stock. You will pay for this Labrys Pride! With your life! GUARDS!" The King’s face was red with fury and embarrassment. He couldn’t believe he had allowed a woman to be the head of his army without his knowledge. He walked over to the door of his chamber and yelled again, "GUARDS!" Two of his men came running in. "What is it my lord?"
"Men, look upon this woman! For this is Labrys Pride our mighty warrior, who has lied to us for six years! I want her taken away and killed." The men looked at King Henry with shock and his daughter ran forward crying, "No, father! Please, do not kill her."
"This does not concern you, Abigael. She has betrayed me and must pay for it." The King’s anger would not diminish.
"How did she betray you? By serving as the bravest knight you have ever had? By saving the lives of hundreds of your men and slaying hundreds more of your enemies? Her only crime, Father, is that of being a woman. Spare her life Father, please." begged Princess Abigael.
King Henry thought for a moment. It was true, Labrys Pride had been the most courageous knight who had ever served on his court but she was still a, "WOMAN!" The King screamed. "No, I’m sorry. I cannot face the humiliation. There is no reason for this to go on."
"Yes, father, there is." Princess Abigael walked over to Labrys. Taking her hand in her own and looking deeply into Labrys Pride’s eyes she quietly confessed, "I love her." Labrys smiled and caressed Princess Abigael’s cheek replying, "And I you."
