"Do you believe in God, Noel?" I asked him one evening on our balcony.
"I don't think so. Do you?"
"Yes. I believe in God, but I don't believe in religion."
"What do you mean by that?
"Religion makes people do ugly things. So many people died because of believers following some stupid book. I was hurt so many times by people because they did what religion told them to do. I broke up with my girlfriend over religion. My family hates me because of religion."
"I don't think they hate you."
"They think I'm sick and disgusting."
We were silent for a moment.
"If anything, I believe in religion," Noel said. "I believe in community. I like the idea of people coming and celebrating together and helping each other in times of need."
"I would love to see it that way. I know people find comfort in the community, but this person was never me."
Later that week, we were walking through a part of the city I didn't know.
"Where are we going?" I asked.
"To church."
I stopped. "I told you I don't like going to church."
"Yes, that's why I googled 'LGBT-friendly churches in Chicago' and we're going to have a look at one."
Without replying, I started walking again. Noel smiled and kissed me on the cheek. I took his hand.
"I felt sorry for you that you aren't able to live out such a big part of your identity. These parts of you shouldn't conflict with each other. I don't believe but I know that God is someone who does not judge but love you."
YOU ARE READING
Bizarre Love Triangle (lgbtq+)
ContoElia is 20 years old and has a smile like Julia Roberts. She comes from a Jewish family and wears a pair of butchy basketball shorts most of the time. Noel is the youngest of three children. His smile is shy and lovely. He is a booklover and paints...
