When I was an undergraduate at Vanderbilt in the early 90's, I let Jesus' people convince me I was to be pitied. I needed forgiveness and mercy and a special dispensation. I was "struggling" with my sexuality. 

Next Thursday, September 1, I'll return to my alma mater and read from my debut collection Mad for Meat which, if it's anything, is a litany against forgiveness and mercy and special dispensation for that. 

I'll be reading with Blas Falconer, Donika Ross and Andrea Barrett.