I cut my parents off. Several weeks ago they told me if my abuser had gotten me pregnant as a child that they’d have made me carry it and I’d “learn a lesson.” I stopped initiating communication. Then they began posting political vitriol online where only family is connected to them. My brother is an out gay man. I work at a library (the library is for every body). My sister is a social worker in a school system. Her & I were SA’d as kids. But they wanted to save some money on gas. They tried to meet for dinner the day after the election. I told them I was only putting myself in healthy situations and that right now I knew it would not be healthy for me to be with them. They told me I was being “divisive” and “listening to satan.” That just confirmed my need for boundaries. Today out of nowhere my dad messages and said “just fyi, we aren’t mad at you.” For what?!? I asked why they’d be mad at me. he said “for you cutting us off. I’m not trying to have an argument.” Just continuing to be dismissive. Letting me know I’m not hurting them. Which I’m not going for at all. I’m protecting me. My mom literally screamed at me in the car because I said no one other than me and my doctor should decide what happens to my body. She actually said “they can have a d&c but not an abortion.” I’m tired. And it’s only just begun.

Idea for my artist friends: A slice of cherry or apple pie with the word equality. Or something like equal rights for others does not equal a smaller slice for you. Really want that iconic pie slice with it. Show me where I can buy it.