13 Comments
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Mark Manning's avatar

I love this story. I love CJ Janovy!

C.J. Janovy's avatar

Love you Mark

Anthony DiPietro's avatar

Thanks for this essay. It brings to life what for me is another place and time—yet familiar to the queer circles in which I came of age in similar ways. Also think the way you write, with empathy but not sentimentality, about mental health and addiction, strikes the exact right chords. A wonderful piece of writing and tribute.

C.J. Janovy's avatar

Thank you so much, Anthony.

Marissa Taylor's avatar

Gut wrenching. This story is so relatable for me. I too have thought that I was "strong enough", though not quite as strong as you would've had to be. It's interesting how I find myself grateful that she pushed you away...

C.J. Janovy's avatar

Thank you Marissa. I understand that complex sense of gratitude. ❤️

Emillio Mesa's avatar

Wow. What a powerful story! Thank you for sharing with us and for being so vulnerable.

C.J. Janovy's avatar

Thank you Emillio 🙏🏻

Keith Aron's avatar

This is powerfully poignant - stunning. Thank you for the emotional labor and vulnerability that surely must have gone into writing and sharing this (and thank you, Jerry, for running it). ❤️‍🩹🧡💛💚💙💜

C.J. Janovy's avatar

I really appreciate this, Keith. Writing this piece was definitely a labor of love, but I didn't quite grasp the level of that effort and vulnerability until you pointed it out here. Thank you.

Keith Aron's avatar

I really get that, CJ - so often I don't drop into my own vulnerability until someone reflects it back to me in a way that lands. I'm so glad to hear this. Thanks again for your beautiful words.

Moorea Maguire's avatar

You curate the best essays, Jerry!

Jerry Portwood's avatar

thanks for.the kind words, Moorea, and your continued support!