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Yunah grew up with religious and strict parents who always talked about the things she should not be doing. She was used to it. But she did not like it. Her parents prohibited talking to boys and she always felt like they were just being dramatic and overprotective. Her only friends were Bahiyyih and Stella, but they both pissed her off to another level of anger. Not only do they only talk to her to make fun of her, but they also talk about her behind her back.
Her parents never introduced her to the topic of homosexuality since they did not want their daughter to even think about liking girls, until the argument she had one day in 2001.
On a quiet Friday night Yunah got mad at her parents about not being able to be friends with whoever she want and said, “Well how come I could talk to girls and not boys?”
Her father chuckled, finding it cute, he answered with a mocking tone, “Because we don’t want you to have a boyfriend yet, sweet pea”. Her mother nodded in response, agreeing.
At only five years old, Yunah had no idea about same-sex relationships and if it was sinful or not.
“That does not make any sense! I could still date girls. If you don’t want me to date, maybe just keep me inside all day. That would be more fun than talking to Stella and Bahiyyih”. Yunah said and crossed her arms.
Silence.
Complete silence.
Her father bit the inside of his cheek as he spoke with gritted teeth, “You cannot date girls, it is against God’s rules, Yunah”. Yunah tilted her head in confusion at her father’s anger.
If god is so good why can’t he just let people love who they love.
If he isn’t kind to everyone that means his kindness is limited, which means its favoritism.
“What makes it so wrong? I mean, it is the same thing as dating a boy. You hug, kiss, and laugh together. Same thing”. Yunah said as she shrugged and rolled her eyes. Her father looked like he was about to explode in a million pieces. Her mother sighed as she held on to her husband’s arm.
“Yunah, honey, it is not the same. God only allows a boy and a girl to date. That’s just how it is supposed to be”, Yunah’s mother said. Yunah raised her voice slightly, she was sure that God would love anyone no matter what.
“But, God is supposed to love us, he is supposed to love us the way we are, mommy!” Yunah said as she stomped her foot in frustration.
Her father came closer to her and said in a low tone, “God loves us, and he always will because we follow his rules. If you like girls and you are a girl, you follow the devil’s rules. Do you like the devil more than God?” Yunah’s father said as he bend down to her level. Her father was manipulating her. And sadly, it was working.
Yunah shook her head in response.
“Good, now go to your room and never, and I mean never, talk about this topic again.”, her father said. Yunah obeyed and fled the room.
After that day, Yunah never even let herself hug a girl. She wanted to follow God’s rules since people always told her God is the best and the devil is the worst.
Even now that she is thirteen years old, she never forgot about that day and her opinion has not changed either.
Stella and Bahiyyih asked her what was going on with her since she was always known for being clingy and always hugging people when she sees them.
Her answer was the same. “I choose to obey the only man in my life, God”
Her opinions did not change, even when she turned thirteen.
Well, that was until a girl with long black hair moved into the neighborhood in 2008.