The ’60s was a time of change in America, both good and not so good. The Vietnam War was culminating, and a peace movement was in full bloom, “Thanks to Dr Martin Luther King Jr.” His relentless quest for nonviolent change was starting to resonate, as well as the Civil rights uprisings.

Up in Harlem, New York, a child was born. A female child, whom would soon become an incest survivor, drug addict, and last but surely not least, a lesbian. Yes, lesbian. The dirty little word that good little Christian folk couldn’t stomach, and still can’t even today.

Here is Danielle (DANI) Matthews’ memoir of the darkness that turned on God’s light.