
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A conservative Christian from Nashville spent a year "undercover" as a gay man after his extreme views on homosexuality were challenged by a close friend coming out as lesbian.
The man, Timothy Kurek, "came out" to his mother, got hold of a pretend boyfriend, and joined a gay softball league.
But, having once thought gays nothing more than "fags" destined to burn in hell, he also faced the kind of abuse he once doled out to others.
After a passerby called him "faggot" during softball practice, Kurek was so enraged he had to be held back from violent revenge - then broke into tears.
"When I was first called that for real, I lost it," he said. "I felt so violated by that word."
His book, The Cross in the Closet, was released this month.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments