I want to recognize your courage in coming forward and thank you for doing so. I know it was hard.

I'm also very glad for you and the other people in your life that you got help and also that help was available to you. It's not for everyone.

I'm very glad you made it through the fire of self destruction that more often than not accompanies abuse traumas.

We've known a long time that men experience rape and sexual abuse too, but women can't tell their stories for them. You're creating space for other men by coming forward. You're giving credence to the long term effects of sexual abuse trauma on anyone. You're doing your part to end the culture of silence that both protects and empowers rapists and sexual abusers. That makes you a hero.

I hope you get nothing but kindness and compassion in the comments, but that wouldn't be to the benefit of power dynamics so it's not likely. But maybe the rest of us can bookmark this piece and circle back around every so often, check the comments, and hockey check the abusive commenters. I'm game.