He graduated as salutatorian, then shortly after turning 18 said goodbye to his church and family and, with a generous scholarship, headed to college in California. Determined that her son Don would escape the traps that ensnared so many boys in the neighborhood, she sent him to Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville. He felt called to preach and if he wanted to keep doing it, he would have to be straight, so he showed interest in girls and in finding “the first lady” that every preacher needed.Īt home, his mother was strict with the three of her four kids who lived with her. Young Don Abram wasn’t ashamed of those encounters, but he was afraid of being found out. They began, in his word, “exploring.” He had no clearer description for what they felt and did. What almost no one knew back then was that it was here in the church - where homosexuality was denounced, where his beloved pastor preached that God had created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve - that Abram met the first boy he was attracted to. I had a purpose and I was accepted.”ĭon Abram, then 22, preaches on Christmas Day 2016, at Greater New Mount Eagle Missionary Baptist Church.
“In the church, no one ridiculed me because I was more effeminate or didn’t like the things boys usually like,” he said. He was thrilled whenever he was invited to escort the pastor to the altar. On Sunday mornings, he wore white gloves to pass out church bulletins to the faithful. He was 8 when his grandmother taught him the church term for those praiseful cries and movements: “Getting happy.” Instead, every Sunday, no excuses, his Jamaican grandma took him to service.ĭressed in the boys’ uniform of black pants and white shirt, he would sit in the pews and watch the parishioners, the women especially, shout and move their bodies. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)Ībram’s parents’ relationship didn’t last long, and his mother soon stopped going to Greater New Mount. Lawrence helped maintain religion in Abram's life. Happy birthday kourtney I can t believe you are 40 I love you more than you can ever imagine you will always be my baby I am so blessed beyond words the Gay Af Women Men Lgbt Pride Equality Lesbian shirt your mommy and have you by my side in this precious life you are my heart and I am eternally grateful for all of the memories that we cherish I love you mommy xoxo kourtney happybirthdaykourtney love familyiseverything firstborn ️.Muriel Lawrence, 83, stands outside her Chicago home with her grandson, Don Abram, 26, on March 7, 2021.
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