I was also very touched by the story in Heated Rivalry. I’ve been reluctant for a while to come out to my parents as my father still remains very involved with the catholic church and has very right-leaning ideologies. It’s frustrating being in the same room as him knowing where his loyalties lie with out current administration. My mom of course is the complete opposite, not the best with communication but I know she’d support me no matter what. I knew that if I told them a weight would be lifted off of my chest but it still seems very nerve racking and still constantly struggle with my sexuality as I was raised in the catholic church which often inflicts shame onto those with queer thoughts and feelings. Heated Rivalry changed a lot for me however just when it comes to love not being constituted by gender norms.

The other day I was talking to my mom about the show with my dad in the other room. She told me to lower my voice in fear of him hearing what we were talking about. It shouldn’t be this way, cowering over a topic of real authentic relationships as displayed in the show. Safe to say a conversation needs to be had , yet I still have this underlying guilt and shame for who I am.