Q&A with M. Maduro and Father

As I continue to share my journey and experiences, I decided to ask my father a couple of questions that were on my mind since my last blog post. The results of that conversation are highlighted in the Q&A below:

Q: When did you find out that I am a lesbian? - Minelva
A: when you first came to St. Maarten  to live with me. I was upset with the fact that you only wore pants and I consoled you to buy skirts and dresses, though my counsel went unheeded by you and you told me than and there that "I Only Like Pants". - Father
 
Q: What was your reaction when I told you I only like pants? - Minelva
A: As you know it brought about a very serious conflict of opinion between us.- Father
 
 
Q: Do you care to elaborate on that?- Minelva
A: Yes I will elaborate a little. Because you were determined to wear your pants and I was determined that you must wear your dresses and conform yourself as a young woman in the same fashion as your other sisters.- Father
 
Q: Did you see any changes in me after our conflict of opinion?- Minelva
A: Not the simplest one. you were headstrong in your determination and I in mines. Not realizing that you had a very strong attraction to the same sex.- Father
 
Q: After your realized my attraction to the same sex, what were your reactions?- Minelva
A: I became very furious and even more determined that you had to become the type of child that I wanted you to become, and your duty was to obey and not to disobey and I would make you obey.- Father
 
Q: Did I obey you?- Minelva
A: Yes in your own manner, by just continuing on the road you begun to travel.- Father
 
Q: What is your opinion of me now as a grown woman?- Minelva
A: I have found that you have developed with a very serious approach to things pertaining you. I have noticed very keenly that many who claimed to be lesbians are not in your category of choice and association. On the other hand your frank admission of your feelings has eradicated all possible traces of suspicion as to where your sentiments are. Others pretend to be male lovers and admirers while being consumed by other desires. It is much better if we admit who, what and how we are and adjust our lives accordingly.- Father

Q: Have you ever spoken to another gay or lesbian besides me?- Minelva
A: No, I haven't spoken to any other gay or lesbian in the manner in which I have spoken to you. I assume that they want to be who they are but pretend to be someone else. They shy away from serious contacts with anyone who inquires about their feelings as gays or lesbians, causing one to believe that they are ashamed and regret the fact that they are who they are. - Father
 
 
 James E. Maduro interviewed by M. Maduro