Hello My Name Is

by Jason W

Hello.

My name isn’t Sex Offender, but you wouldn’t know. I am a flesh and
blood person, not the monster you have been taught to fear. I used
to go by a different name, not a label, but you don’t care to know
it. You scrutinize my every move and presume negative intent.
When I merely look at you, you project impure thoughts. Although, I
can assure you, I fear you more. I once had a respectable name
without a label. I was your neighbor and your friend... or so I
thought. You chose to ignore my struggles. You stepped away when I
needed you most; when pressures of life overwhelmed me, and I had
developed unhealthy escape mechanisms. As I imploded, every good
deed I had ever done for you was suddenly erased from your
memory.

I never hurt you nor was I ever a threat to you. I’ve dealt with my
issues through therapy, self-reflection, and healing. I know I won’t
repeat what I did in the past; statistics and passage of time back me
up.

Now you’re the one causing harm. Preventing your children from
playing with mine. Excluding my spouse from volunteer
organizations and social clubs. Creating barriers to my employment.
Not even letting us live peacefully in your neighborhood. Gossiping
to ensure everyone knows my past.

But you don’t know me, you never truly did. My name isn’t Sex
Offender. I am an improved human - a 2.0. I have a real name. I am a
real flesh and blood person, not the monster you have been
conditioned to fear.

Won’t you join me in becoming a better human too?