At age thirty-two, Chris Davis had everything she was told that she wanted: a husband, two children, and a townhouse in the suburbs. The plan had been laid out for her and compliance was expected. A devout Mormon with a stellar reputation in her community, Davis spent a lifetime listening to rhetoric from church leaders that queer people were sinners and needed to repent of their wickedness. She had sworn faithfulness and obedience to God and the church but was faced with an impossible equation. How could she earn blessings from God and eternal life in heaven when she knew she was gay? She decided the only way out was a 17-year plan to raise her children and then take her own life.
In Worthy: The Memoir of an Ex-Mormon Lesbian, Davis tells her story of growing up in a Mormon household in Maine. Her nostalgic and sometimes humorous childhood memories of family and friends provide life lessons that influence her during the traumatic experiences she has as a woman and as a closeted queer person in the church. It isn’t until one of her children comes out that Davis is forced to choose between religion and family. She chooses love.
Davis shares her brave journey from the depths of despair to hope and possibility. She shines a light on the tragedy of exclusion in our churches, in families, and in society, which takes such a toll on youth who struggle with their identities. Her inspiring account shows that it takes courage and fortitude to change one’s beliefs and live an authentic life, but the rewards are immense.
Tabella dei contenuti
Introduction1
Chapter 1: Cold Baths All My Life4
Chapter 2: Grammy Get Your Gun8
Chapter 3: Get the Stink Blowed Off Ya15
Chapter 4: To Get the Gum You Have to Plant the Kiss22
Chapter 5: Eat Your Chicken Soup and Pretend Nothing Is Wrong29
Chapter 6: Joy and Horror37
Chapter 7: Krrrr. I Love You, Bud. Krrrr42
Chapter 8: A Fight of Black Belt Proportions46
Chapter 9: What Do You Want to Be Known For?56
Chapter 10: Courage to Change63
Chapter 11: The End of a Cold, Dark Night68
Chapter 12: I Am Resilient72
Conclusion74
Book Group Discussion Questions76
Acknowledgements77
About the Author79