To many outsiders, the South is racist, uneducated, country, and uninformed about events outside Mississippi. At first, these were my opinions too, but living here and experiencing it, the outside world has their views wrong.
Mental abuse is very subtle. My sensitivities were studied and specifically targeted through subtle manipulations, and this successfully instilled doubt within me. I was dependent. I felt there was no way out even though I knew I was unhappy. I was convinced the relationship I had was all I was worth.
I came here with a certain perception of Mississippi, and I didn’t think that would change over my four years as a student. However, now as I’m about to leave Mississippi forever, I have such a fond view of this state. Even though there may be some aspects of the state’s past and present political views that I may not agree with, Mississippi has changed my life forever.
We like to think growing up in the LGBT community today is “heaven” compared to the past, and while I agree in some aspects, over the years, society has ignored the pain our LGBT brothers and sisters endure.
Based on countless testimonials about this activity completely changing, and even saving lives, one would think it must be some sort of magic. But it’s not. It’s CrossFit.
