I didn't listen to the music. However, I think I know why he would sing about abuse and expose his painful past in public. I think I know because I have admitted my past several times in public when testifying before legislative committees.

I did it first to try to get non-survivors to understand what we need from them to help us heal. I needed to answer the question of why, so many years after the abuse ended, it was still so real and so important to face, and why I needed help from society, as do other survivors.

I also did it because I wanted to prove to myself that I really had nothing to be ashamed of. The "dirty secret" was a secret for so long because those who abused me demanded secrecy, and threatened to kill me if I told. Telling what they did too that power away from them -- they had that power for far too long. I took it back.

This is not to say all survivors should suddenly run out and proclaim their past in public. That could be very dangerous. Public disclosure needs to be done carefully and only when you are truly ready. It can be very painful and very traumatic to admit this past in public. And you also have to be ready for reactions that are not supportive -- I got a couple of those. I recommend only doing so with professional help and the support of other survivors. You will know when you are ready. If you have doubts, you're probably not ready.

I'm glad I did it, for me and to help other survivors. But I'm also glad I waited until I was many years into recovery.

I desperately want to forget what was done to me. But that won't happen, so I must deal with it. I think the singer is doing that too.

Hope this helps.

be well,

mtd