When my book was first published, everyone congratulated me. I had one friend who was very excited for me even though he had no idea what the novel was about. He just knew this was something I was working long, hard hours for. Anyway, when I asked him if he was going to purchase my book, he replied, “What’s the book about?” I briefly explained. He chuckled and said, “Nah, that’s gay.” OK…I respect everyone’s opinions and reactions to things. However, I found his response childish and close-minded, especially since he is extremely close to the women in his family and has a daughter. I couldn’t hold my tongue; so I gave him a long response. “My story may sound “gay” to you, but I assure you it is not. My character is not dealing with simple issues, resolving them with steamy sex scenes (although that is what everyone cares to read), then running into the sunset together. My character is actually enduring abuse on various levels without knowing who to turn to or what to do. The issues she is facing are issues women in real life are facing today whether they care to admit or not. I know it is too embarrassing to come forward with it; but instead of coming forward, they rather portray something pretty to fool the world. They are not fooling the world; they are only fooling themselves. How would you feel if one of your nieces, sister, mother or even your own daughter was involved in an abusive relationship and never came forward because of shame or fear? Wouldn’t it boil your blood to know a strange man is hurting your niece, your sister, or your daughter whether it be physical or verbally in public or behind closed doors? How will that make you feel?” He said nothing and just nodded. Well, weeks later he calls me, apologizing for calling my book “gay”, and actually described it as, “thought-provoking” and “enlightening.” He passed my book down to his daughter. Before you throw out judgment on something or someone, educate yourself first; then you have the right to pass an INTELLIGENT judgment.