Love Letter to Becky Albertalli

I'm not going to post any links to the negative stuff that's going on with this situation. If you want to know, I trust you can use Google.

I came across this madness on Twitter and I'm heartbroken. When I saw this quote from Becky on Instagram I wanted to write a public response.

"I’m feeling really desperate to be seen as a person right now."

My goodness, I wish I could wrap you up in a big hug and just let you feel at peace. <3

Becky,

I found Simon when I was well past my teen years. I had never read anything that was so perfect for me and I wish I had found it at a much younger age. Sadly, as I am only one year younger than you are, there was nothing like this for me when I needed it the most.

You gave that to us. You wrote something real and offered it to the world. You should not be demonized for your art. You wanted to give something to people who needed to see themselves in the stories they were reading, and you did that.

From what I have come to understand, you wanted to write these books because of your experience with clients during your psychology career. I think that's so beautiful. It shows a kind heart from several directions. I hope you keep writing.

I believe in your stories, and I believe in your work.

People say this LGBTQ community is welcoming, and it can be. But every community has the fatal flaw of the human condition. Aka - some people are just mean. The idea that someone has to prove their sexuality is not only offensive and dangerous, it's also ridiculous.

I'm sorry you've been attacked for something so personal. I'm sorry to the people out there watching this who were scared back into the closet. I'm sorry for the people who are experiencing pain because someone online is "just saying" something cruel.

I don't know you personally, but I am sending you love from one human to another.

Love, Altersaside