The post I hadn’t dared to write – or my life as an abuse survivor

This is the post that a lot of people are going to stare at and look at in confusion. It’s the post that will get a reaction from people who knew me growing up more than people who know me now. It’s one I didn’t think I would ever be ready to post and I know given the community I grew up in it will put me at the centre of gossip. But you know what? Fuck it. I’ve spent the past few years dealing with the flashbacks, coming to terms with my past, and learning that I am not to blame. I’ve grown as a person and I’ve changed too. This is my truth. And now that it’s been over a year since my darling grandfather died I can and will put it out there. I waited as a sign of respect for the man who on finding out just a fraction of what I’m about to share here told me to call him ‘dad.’