UPDATE August 30th, 2017: Blog post updated to the author’s current name and pronouns :)

Even though I’ve read this comic multiple times, it never fails to make me misty eyed. I’m so honored Gavin Greco let me share their story with you guys. He’s a strong person and a powerful cartoonist, I hope his work touched you as much as it did me.

The following post is written by him.

Written and Illustrated by Gavin Greco

Colours by Trystan Falcone

Last year was an incredibly difficult year. I’m the type of person that huddles up and shuts down when dealing with tough times and so I immersed myself in comics and music while trying to find answers. The books that resonated with me the most were Marbles, Anything That Loves, and basically everything Erika Moen has ever written. (which makes it an honour to have my work here on OJST.) I listened exclusively to what I call, “Comfort Food Music”. Music that I’ve loved since I was a kid, but suddenly I rediscovered and found new meaning in the Ani Difranco songs I’d been listening to for 13 years.

When it finally came time to figure out how to tell to the people I love about what I was going through, a comic seemed like the only way I could do it. I could be honest and open without having the stress of talking to people face to face. It gave me a much needed creative outlet, something positive to pour all of my emotions into when nothing else could hold my interest. I put more of me into this project than anything I have ever created.

Sharing this story, publicly, was at the top of my list of New Years Resolutions. After the work of others gave me a new perspective, a sense of understanding, and belonging, I just wanted to be able to give something back. I hope that someone else who is lost will find this comic and that it helps them move one step closer to finding out who they are. You’re not alone.

I am lucky. I am lucky to have the support of my family. I am fortunate to have a fantastic group of friends that I can truly say I love like brothers and sisters. Without their continued love and support, I would never have been brave enough to share this with all of you.

It’s never too late to be honest with yourself.

<3 Gavin Greco Special Thanks to Trystan Falcone for being my rock along the way, pushing me to finish this comic every time I wanted to quit, and for 5am breakfast at The 5 Point Cafe.

————–

Music played such a large role in the creation of these pages so I included a soundtrack. (Inspired by the way Chynna Clugston scored her Blue Monday comics.)

All songs by Ani Difranco

Side A:

32 Flavors

My I.Q.

Talk to Me Now

Out of Habit

Rock Paper Scissors

Falling is Like This

Side B:

Two Little Girls

You Had Time

Marrow

I’m No Heroine

School Night

In or Out

Little Plastic Castle