Abby13356's Comments (215)

I saw a video from the Friendly Atheist about your artwork. What you created is absolutely amazing and very powerful! I hope you will keep doing what you are doing.

Thank you for making and sharing this, it really struck a chord with me as a queer person in a predominantly christian family. I’d love to buy a print of it from you if that’s at all a possibility.

You hit the nail on the head with this one. I found your art piece from a youtube story on it. I hope that you keep your head up high and never let people beat you down for opnion. It is your right! Beautiful piece, keep it up.

As someone who also grew up queer in a religious house, this piece perfectly sums up the way you're made to feel - and it's the perfect piece of in your face art that we need more of to show other people the implications that their words have on others, especially young queer kids. It's so sad that you're raised religious and taught "love one another", "Do unto others", and "judge not" (to name a few) only for those statements to be followed with BUT *starts a list of things that are unforgivable in the eyes of the Lord*. I'm tired of it man. If God loves us, he loves all of us. If God's love is unconditional, then that means us queer kids too. The fact that people got upset over this just proves how many bigots there are out there who only focus on the parts of the Bible that help to make their own point and don't care about the rest of the stuff in there that says we're all loved. I love you and your art Abby. Don't let other people make you feel otherwise. This is the most powerful, heart wrenching, accurate piece of art I've ever had the joy of seeing. Keep your head high

For me art makes one think and feel. Masterfully done. Thank you. ????????? fellow traveler

Hi Abby. I just want to add a comment to this huge outpouring so it can be even bigger! Your message is loud and clear, your art has done what art is supposed to do and has moved so many people. Well done! I hope it breaks down some walls around stone hearts as well. Stay strong and keep speaking your truth!

This is a fantasitc, thoughtful piece. The rest of your art is equally wonderful. I’ve come to learn that your school board is unhappy with your art, which indicates to me that you’re doing something right. Someone should remind them that art is meant to provoke—even to offend—others. A proper civics education would have prepared the members of your school board for the feelings they experienced. A proper civics education—had the members of the school board actually had one—would have made it very clear that freedom of religion and freedom of expression are cornerstones of our civil rights in America, and that exercising them is of paramount importance. When I was a boy, my school taught me about “the marketplace of ideas,” where even the most offensive beliefs were to be discussed, and those ideas deemed “best” would naturally rise to the top, while the worst ideas would sink to the bottom. Has your school board forgotten about their childhood lessons? I applaud you for teaching them. Never stop doing that. Progress has never occurred without someone ruffling feathers.

I think this is a wonderful piece. The fact that it’s garnering so much controversy demonstrates how much this conversation needs to happen. I think you’re incredible! For context, I’m an exvangelical queer woman.

Abby, Was just reading about you at Reddit and TheFriendlyAthiest. As the father of an Artist/Professional Illustrator who also identifies as they/them, I know how much though, introspection, and hard work goes into creating a piece of art. And you should be congratulated as having produced a very important piece. Art is so much more than just "oh what a pretty picture". Art reflects. Art discovers. Art reveals. Creating a piece that just with its image stirred up so much opinion, made people upset and question and think. That is truly Art of the highest caliber. Nice work. My kid struggled to break into the industry for a long time despite their talent, but now is right where they want to be working with those that they admired. Keep on creating, follow where your muse takes you. Don't quit. It gets better.

You make me so proud and hopeful for the future. Keep using your talent to uplift your voice and the voice of others who are unable. Hope you have a great day xo

Amazing work. Horrible school board. I love the deep thought and meaningful details of this beautiful piece. Have a lovely day and hopefully career

Abby, I want to tell you so many things about your artwork, but most of all I want to tell you that I am proud of you. I’m so thankful the school board made the right decision to allow your artwork to stay up - it is so important to not silence people’s art. I am also a queer artist who lives in the area, and I did not find the strength you seem to be exhibiting now until much later in my life. I appreciate so much you being willing to show such a deeply personal struggle with so many - I wish that I would have seen art like this when I was your age and younger. I maybe would not have felt so alone in my experience. Please keep creating art and being authentic to yourself. Please keep showing up for yourself in this way. Please know you are not alone, and you are perfect the way you are and I am so certain you will be a fierce voice for people like us. Sincerely, your transmasc artist ‘auntie’

Hey, Abby, I’m a queer woman who struggles with living in a religious environment, and I wanted to say that your work is important and conveys a message many people can relate to. Don’t let other people stop you from making the art that you want to make. Thank you for speaking out :)

This piece is incredible and makes such a powerful statement. From a technical standpoint, it's very well done, and I couldn't agree more with the sentiment. It speaks to my soul. Thank you for creating something so wonderful. It does what art is meant to do -- question the norm and make people think.

Excellent work Abby! Don't ever compromise your thoughts or feelings in your art. Your work is to be proud of, not to please everyone.

Outstanding work! I love how controversial this piece is, you're a true artist. I wish you a wonderful life. With more art!

Well done, Abby! Straight to the point and visceral. You’re getting the correct reactions even if the board is being prejudiced against you. Keep up the good work and know that you have many, many supporters.

Amazing piece of expression! Thank you for being brave enough to stand up against oppression and express yourself. Many of us recall living in fear when we were younger and your art is a testament to how far (and how little) we've come from expressing our sexuality and our love for others.

Dear Abby, I wanted to write this as a fellow artist. This is a piece of artwork that is not only beautiful. But rings true to the struggles we lgbtq+ have with religious hate. Thank you for creating this. I stand by you 100%

Powerful! Please know you are celebrated and supported from a family in Pennsylvania. I grew up with a father whose example looked down on the gay community. I found it quite ironic when, years later, the only hospice nurses who were willing to care far him were (wait for it) gay. I shed those bad examples he set and am know the proud father of 2 children, one of whom is gay and I love them equally.

Hi Abby, I'm a bi trans man from the Netherlands, and I love this piece! It's visually stunning, and emotionally powerful. How cool is it that your art has now gotten worldwide reach? Guess the school board's attempts to censor you and your art have backfired on them severely, haha. Keep standing up for what's right, and keep calling out the hypocrisy of those who are using religion to spread hate and to traumatize others! Lots of love, Mars.

If you see this, you or parents or other. I saw 4 articles about your art and what surrounded it. Good work on it. But I also saw a quite a few threatening comments. In an article your full name and school was posted, that's how I go here. Considering some comments I saw today, recommend not going alone home for a while. Some extremists might be out there. Take care and don't let those fools hold you down.

So cool.

I love this so much! As someone who left the church due to its treatment of me and the rest of the LGBTQ community, this hits home so hard. Even if it didn't resonate with me personally, I would still love it for its message and the feeling it evokes. Keep creating beautiful art, and thanks for bringing this into the world <3

I love this piece!!! Very spot on and relatable. I felt like this much of my life. Ty for creating it and please keep creating!??????

As a queer WOC who was raised in the south, your artwork really speaks to me. Many Christians don’t know how traumatizing it is to be continually told that earning God’s love is the only way to obtain true happiness, but that love would always be unobtainable because of something that you cannot change. Growing up, it always felt like God was forcing me to make a sadistic choice: live a sinful life by being true to myself or live a sinful life by forever lying about who I am. No matter what I choose, I could never truly earn God’s love. With time and reflection, I have made peace with my past and my relationship with Christianity. However, I will also never forget my past struggles.

Abby, this is an amazing piece. So insightful!

I love this. Don't stop, no matter who gets mad. It's gorgeous.

Art is always pretty brave - you're putting yourself out there to be judged But to do it and challenge people, knowing that insecure, defensive, and even culpable adults will immediately hate you and use their power to try to silence you...well, that's some next tier bravery right there. Keep it up and best of luck to you I hope this inspires more young people to be bold and brave in the face of bullies and oppressors

Abby, this piece is amazing, and really touches on an experience that many LGBTQ kids can relate to- you've captured it well here. You are so talented and keep at it!

Beautiful work. The medium of art is one of many choices used to express a thought, a feeling, a point of view. In situation like this, the more people that are upset by it, the more interesting the topic you’ve chosen. Keep up the great work and don’t be discouraged.

You hit the nail on the head. Awesome job.

A wonderful piece of art! People fear when they have to question their own outdated beliefs and indoctrinations. Keep painting how you feel and what messages you want to show the world, Abby.

Abby, as the parent of a trans teen, we are proud of you. Keep rockin', homie!

Abby, there is a local organization in DC near where I live I think you should submit to called Rhizome DC. This is a brilliant piece of art that despite showing local hostility strikes at some really critical issues right now. Please look them up, link to the Amazing Atheist piece. If you are open to it you can speak about the piece and everything that happened around it. This is completely up to you. But I think you have created a work that is striking. You have a bright future ahead of you, don't let what has happened to you hold you back in life. You are a brilliant artist who just may have created one of the most import pieces of art this year. There are communities out there that will support both you and your art fully. Please recognize that.

Very moving piece. I wish nothing but the best for you and your future. I'm sure it is going to be extremely bright.

Hello Abby. This piece is so incredibly powerful. And it makes me so happy and proud of every single person that recognizes the lies being sold by these cults. As a (former) minister I simply cannot identify with any group that twists their book to support their hate and prejudice. Don’t get me wrong, I still follow the teachings of a guy named Jesus… but I have no doubt he wouldn’t be allowed to share unconditional love and would soon find himself outcast today. Of course? Being queer didn’t make the cults love me either. But decades of study shows that the scripture speaks out against child sa and sa in general as wicked. Not one word speaks to what we know of as homosexuality. So please continue bringing light and hope to this world through the beauty you find on the other side of the pain. The Divine is in the light of your art and that is how we drive out the darkness

Amazing piece Abby, just know you have supporters all around the world. Love from Aus.

Please please know many people support and love your work, me among them. Keep painting, expressing yourself. Elan

Congratulations, Abby, from a fellow Virginian. Your art has spoken truth. Its simple message is powerful. For those in whom it touches a nerve, some reflection is in order. For those with whom it resonates, it’s truly inspiring. Keep speaking your truth! Art CAN change the world.

Abby, from Maine, keep up the good work! Your generation, my grandchildren's generation, is our hope for the future.

Fantastic work. I'm sorry you have had to go through this and that you live in a community that would react in such a way. There are better places and better people out there. I promise. It's not all bad. There is an organization called Recovering from Religion. Just Google it and it should come up. There is a community of people there who can assist you and provide you that community you may have lost throughout this. I wish you all the best. Keep making art... and waves.

Abby, I don't know you, all I know is this... your art... IS AMAZING, this work is perfect, it encapsulates the hatred these people have for those who they don't understand so well, it's beautiful! You should be proud of this! You have a bright future as an artist, I'm sure of it! I say this both as an atheist, and also as a person who is part of marginalized groups who also suffer from a lot of BS from religious people, (mainly autistic and LGBTQIA+ community) I love this piece so much, this kind of artistic expression, is what I aspire to achieve one day as a beginner artist!

Well done, Abby. Great art makes people feel things- that's the point of it. What you made the school board feel was uncomfortable- and they should feel uncomfortable. This is a great work.

This is a wonderful depiction of something so many people feel.

Great job! I saw your art on TikTok and heard your story. I think it’s inspiring how brave you are. As a queer 30 year old, I aspire to be like you! Much love from South Carolina

Abby - your piece is so beautiful and evocative. Don’t let people silence you - your voice is important!

Abby, I’m so deeply grateful for this piece of art and for the deluge of loving and affirming comments here! I’m an Augusta County resident and a pastor of a Lutheran church in Harrisonburg, and just wanted to say how grateful I am for the powerful message you’ve sent with this piece. This is exactly the kind of thing that bothers me the most as a Christian about someone twisting faith to create a culture of hate, because a homophobic theology is one that limits the abundant love of God. I don’t believe that’s possible to do, and your provocative piece holds up a necessary and unflattering mirror to a twisting of Faith that wounds the world rather than redeems and unifies. So I wanted to make sure you heard a local pastor say THANK YOU! I would love to find a way to get a copy of your work to use in conversations among the communities I serve! Keep up the great work!

Is the text in the background a reference to Ethel Cain's "Sun Bleached Flies"? Either way, cool piece, people tryna ban it are nutso. "Disturb the comforted, and comfort the disturbed," or whatever the hip young kids on Instagram say these days.

Let’s Streisand Effect Abby’s art.

Abby, as someone still struggling with their religious upbringing and coming to terms with their sexuality, your piece spoke to me on a visceral level. The fact that it has triggered even a tenth of the reaction it has is proof of that. You’ve scared them with the truth, which means you’ve absolutely done your job as an artist. Please, please sell prints of this independently so we can support you directly!

Abby - as I'm sure you know by now, great art evokes emotion. Clearly, you have hit the mark with this piece. And, I have no doubt you are receiving emotional responses from "multiple perspectives." More importantly, you have revealed YOUR emotions. As much as I agree with your message, I am more impressed with the way you have presented in such a powerful visual way. Keep pouring your heart into your work. Don't let the keyboard critics get to you. This is a BEAUTIFUL piece. And you are incredibly brave for putting it out into the world. Whether you see us or not, your fans are all around you.

Congrats on your art causing an hour and a half long school board meeting!

This is amazing art! It’s so evocative.

Wow! This is an amazing piece. You are very talented and deserving of a place in the art show. Your strength in the face of adversity and outright bullying is commendable, and it will serve you well as you navigate a world that is shadowed by hate. Keep it up! Never stop speaking through your art.

Dear Abby, I love this piece. Although I'm not queer, I too was religiously dominated by my family and had to pretend for many years that I still believed in their hypocrisy. I highly recommend Richard Dawkins' "The God Delusion" (and Unweaving the Raibow) it really made me realize why god never answered or helped me when I was in pain and crying for help. Never compromise your own beliefs and values. god may not love you (because he's made up) but we do.

Your work is brilliant, Abby13356. Great art and great artists provoke Find a gallery to host your work.

Strong work. The impact is clear and emotionally powerful.

Abby excellent work! I admire your bravery in expressing yourself. Thank you for sharing your art with the world(even if you didn't think the whole world might see it). The whole piece is just so well composed. The old world font, blood red hands, the rainbow blood coming out of the bible pages all impress to me how so many people over the years have been made to struggle so needlessly. This work gives me hope for your future and for the future of my young family members who struggle along side you. You will never meet me, but please know that I am forever your ally. Stay brave.

This piece is the quintessential definition of art! If I was super-wealthy (like TV evangelists), I would buy it for $1 million and hang it in the foyer of my mega mansion. In the meantime, it should hang in the Modern Museum of Art (MoMA). Brilliant!!!

Abby, ALL of your work is fantastic. So much emotion in your pieces! Stay true to yourself and your style, it is wonderful. And ignore the haters!!

A very powerful and provocative message. Bravo.

This is absolutely stunning. Well done.

I know zilch about art but this seems nice. I like the detail on the hands. As for the message - 100%

Is "Wooden Cup" for sale?

Abby, i came across your art online and it is a fantastic piece with a very true meaning. When I was about your age I was in my hometown of San Francisco and I was dealing with the save the children. anita bryant campaign to remove gay people from teaching. I was planning to become a teacher, but that changed my mind. I let someone's hate for what I was, not who I was. I let them take my power. I wish I had the courage you have. you keep going strong and never give in or up. You have the power and you are not alone! cheers, Gino

This is great. You should consider a degree in fine arts if you're planning to go to college.

Great work and statement! keep up the creative work. you have some good use of color and shading in your works!

I saw your art on Tiktok and I just want to say that you’re awesome ?? I wish I could have been brave enough to make a piece like this in high school. Continue to share your art and inspire others!

this is absolutely amazing. your art work has touched a lot of people's hearts. you don't deserve the hate and your art is beautiful.

Your work is very compelling and impactful to me. This piece grabbed my attention immediately and pulled me in even before reading your statement. I have many lost connections in my life and the ones without a reason or explanation that I can find are, in a way, more distressing and haunting than the ones I actively broke. Keep creating and expressing yourself and wake people up to the truths they keep denying. You are unique and I thank you for your strength and conviction to being true to yourself. Best wishes for your future.

Very powerful piece with an important message. I stand with you.

This is what art is for. Hopefully one day this won't be relevant and will be looked on as how things used to be. It's pieces like this that change history

As a trans woman who grew up in a very conservative Evangelical household, this really hits home for me. I spent so much of my life hating my body and feeling disconnected from it, and not having the language to understand why. It took until my forties before I understood that I was trans and had the courage to step out and live that truth. I am grateful that I am now part of an ELCA congregation that loves and celebrates me as my authentic self. God’s love is so much bigger and more generous than the Evangelical church wanted us to believe.

You have great talent and profound strength, Abby. Keep creating, keep loving, and keep making the world proud!

Abby13356, you are amazing. As a former art teacher, professional artist, author who writes about religious trauma, and member of the LGBTQ++ community, I am in awe of you. Keep speaking your truth, and know that there are MANY out here in the world who appreciate your voice.

Outstanding work. I love the sharpness of it.

I think your work is courageous, and I'm glad it gets to stay up and displayed. Keep following your heart and it won't lead you astray! Old liberal guy in Missouri

Very thought provoking!! Keep it up.

Hi Abby. Stunning and powerful piece of work. Any chance you’d be willing to sell the original? Thank you

Wow! Amazing! You have talent and skill, Abby. Keep speaking truth! Gorgeous work.

Oh this one’s fun. Love the colors!

Why am I not surprised that an artist who would make the “God loves you but not enough to save you” piece has been affirming she has a spine Go Abby!

Hi Abby - hang in there! I grew up Roman Catholic and bi and I know I don’t have to tell you what that was like. You’re speaking truth and if some people find it uncomfortable maybe they need to ask themselves hard questions and commit to doing better. Making that art was an act of integrity, courage and compassion. I salute you!

Abby, your art speaks to me so vividly. It’s amazing. Please don’t let the uninformed or ignorant population let you believe otherwise. Your art may not be everyone’s taste but it is your art, if they don’t like it they shouldn’t look. It is ridiculous to even mildly project the idea it should sit on the sidelines because it might hurt someone’s feelings. Great art is evoking. And their hate shouldn’t determine your fate.

Speaking truth to power. I love it. Cheers from Germany

This is amazing. Keep it up!

Hi Abby, love the artwork! Came over from the Reddit discussion to take look and really like your work. Hope you have a great life!!!

I see you. You matter. And your experience is valid. I pray that healing evolve from this piece, and that it be put on display where ALL can see. IT IS BEAUTIFUL. Some people say they love God, but not enough to accept and love those that HE Loves. Love ALWAYS wins

I love the message of your artwork. I have a son that is transgender. We live in a community where the bigots are loud. I ordered a T-shirt with this piece on it. I hope it brings about important discussion as it has in your community. I was one of the kids growing up who struggled against the lessons they taught in church. We don’t feel safe in our own town sometimes, but we feel it’s important to advocate for our child, and do our best to educate the ignorant.

Hi, came here from Reddit and your artwork is truly impressive. I love see all the growth you've gone through over the past few years and I hope great things lie ahead for you down whichever path you choose. It's perfectly alright to pursue a career outside of art, so keep that in mind if creating art ever becomes a burden. Anyways, I hope your passion for the arts (as a career or as a hobby) continues to grow and be a voice of hope and healing (for yourself and others).

This is an excellent piece and I’m glad I came across it on social media. Thank you for sharing, please continue your work!

This made me tear up! My daughter is LBGTQ and I support her 100%! Keep your head up and remember that it's your life. Your love. Your RIGHT to express yourself through art and live and love how you see fit.

I’m sorry for any difficulty the world has given you for being your true self. I promise it gets better as an adult when you can choose the environment you’re in a lot easier. Your work is beautiful and speaks for so many. Good luck kid!

Hi Abby, Australian Anglican minister here - found your work through Reddit. Thank you so much for using your talent to speak out against the hypocrisy of those that think they make decisions on God's behalf. Our little parish has a quite strong LGBTQIA+ representation in the general congregation and in our leadership team. All are incredibly Godly people with deep faith lives and we are richer for having them as loved members of our Church family. We fly the Progress Pride flag and preach a gospel message of love, acceptance and yes .... salvation.... for all, no matter what or who. Keep up the awesome artwork, keep calling out those that use their power to hurt and control, and keep expressing who you are. God loves you!

Powerful.

This is objectively excellent work! Keep it up Abby! Buying a mug!

Abby - I love your artwork and the message. Beautiful!

in my opinion, good art is meant to make a statement that people connect with. This is good art. My heart goes out to you for having to endure being the target of religious ire, but I want you and every other LGBT+ person who connects with this to know that there is enough love in our community to drown out the hate. I hope that you are proud of your art and the statement you have made, and I wish you nothing but a bright, vibrant future filled with joy and success.

Beautiful, relevant, insightful commentary on the religious trauma that our community has suffered and continues to suffer. Wishing you all the best in your life and your future. I promise it gets better.

As a 57 year old, straight and Christian male, I'm proud of you and your work. Everyone deserves the right to be who they are. Too much people thinks they have the right to control others lifes. Including the right to religion, sexual preferences, acceptable music, clothes, ... And these people seldom presents their views in any discrete way. They are much too much in love with trying to enforce their views, bullying others. Religion? So often used as an excuse for why people needs to live in a certain way. Even when the actual religion does not have any such rules. The religion may preach love but people uses the religion for hate (or to make money) Schools are expected to teach youngsters how to be skilled and mature adults capable of making own decisions. But is often used as a place to try to enforce brain washing. Luckily, there will always be a number of students that will rise to the challenge and make their voices heard. /Reddit visitor finding a link to your work.

I came across your art on Reddit and am blown away by the emotional gravitas you convey here. You're a phenomenal artist! I hope you've found peace and healing

Stay true to you. Your artwork is phenomenal! You have already made it. Sell your piece if you want to, let the haters choke on your brilliance and budding career.

This is amazing!!

Hi Abby! I’m an LGBT artist who had a similar religious upbringing, and your piece really resonates with a lot of my experiences with it. The fact that your work has gotten such strong reactions speaks to how powerful it is. You’ve also got really great technique and a strong artistic voice, especially for how young you are. Keep making work that means something to you and you’ll go far. :)

I love this so much. Please keep making great art

evocative

amazing

extremely cool beans

gorgeous

lovely

This is incredible. I found this through Reddit. Keep doing what you're doing. The world needs more art like this. I grew up seeing alot of the same stuff. I hope people can connect with this and find that we truly are not alone.

Abby, I, too, just came from LGBTQNation, and to see such a profound painting that reflects my own pain hurts my heart. For it to be banned is horrendous. Your art is profound, and we all support it being shown. I am Orthodox Christian and queer, which means that I have a "Spiritual Illness," and I resonate so much with the phrase on your art and the bleeding rainbow. It feels familiar, and I am glad my feelings aren't isolated. Thank you.

I love this work so much! Do you have copies anywhere I can purchase?? I would love to have this hanging up in a poster form in my house!

I came here from reddit to see your piece that created controversy. It’s powerful. I am glad I was able to see it. Keep up your artwork; you have a gift there. From a mum that believes that God loves all his children and that He is the one who puts love into our hearts, love for men, women or any gender. And I would claim that God loves seeing you use your talent to create art.

Wonderful piece. So much emotion in there. Keep doing your art.

Great work. Like all good art that touches a nerve, there’s a truth contained within that some don’t want to see.

Beautiful work Abby! Please don't stop making art that inspires people and draws attention to the problems of our society. I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future.

Wow, this piece is powerful! Like many others here, I came across your story in the news, I'm so sorry there was an effort to silence your self-expression. Your voice matters, you matter. Thank you for creating something from your heart, the courage and reflection that went into this is beautiful and inspiring.

This captures so much. I love it and would love to get my hands on a print!

I am a teacher in BC Canada and I read about this on Reddit. Beautiful piece. I worked in the Catholic School System in Alberta and have seen first hand the pressure religious folk can put on LGBTQ and all students under the guise of faith. Keep on creating and keep on saying your piece. Your voice is as important as theirs are… even if they are school board trustees.

It looks great, keep doing your art. It's a great message. I wish people could simply ignore things they don't like or agree with and move on. I'm sorry you are getting the treatment you are from some people. Keep it up and try your best to not let it get to you.

Came here from Reddit. Amazing piece!

Love and light to you! Keep believing in yourself and your beautiful art work and life will bring you amazing happiness and success ??

Good on you for your bravery. Bigots' hypocrisy and ignorance of their claimed religion eventually shows that the only thing they really believe is that they are somehow better than others. I hope you live a life of joy!

A powerful piece of art full of so much depth and meaning. ?? And now it's spread online to so many outlets! I am one of the very many people who are so proud of you. I truly wish I knew people like yourself when I was your age. Keep up your art. Never be silenced. Never stop loving.

Great job Abby! This is what art is for. The art world has got your back.

Fantastic! You created controversy with truth. You don't need God to save you. :)

Such a beautiful expression of pain and anger with religious hypocrisy. I am so sorry for what false "Christians" have done to bring forth this pain. God does loves more than you could ever know and is willing to save you from your sins if you will have Him. Your relationship with God does not need to come through a church community. It's a personal relationship. I pray that God will bring peace to your anguish and healing to your pain. Much love.

Abby, hi! I'm also queer from Augusta County and grew up in this area and went to school here. I relate tremendously to the fight in your artwork. I love this piece so so so much that I'm willing to buy it and display it happily if you're interested! I support you! Keep being you and keep fighting for whatever you want. There are tons standing behind you.

Abby, Congratulations on a beautiful piece that has clearly prompted exactly the kind of discussion and reflection that it sounds like you were seeking to achieve in creating it. I'm only sorry that someone as talented, creative, brave, and genuine as your work suggests you are has to deal with the fear and bigotry of some of your audience. As an older straight, cis, Christian man, I lament that there are Christians out there who continue to use their faith as a excuse to spread hatred. You are loved and there is nothing sinful about being exactly who God made you to be. Keep up the wonderful work, and thank you for choosing to face the centuries-old challenge that all true artists face; resistance from those afraid of change and expression. Cheers to you.

I do believe the reaction to your piece in some circles proves it says *exactly* what you wanted it to. Well done, Abby :) Keep it up!

Beautiful work and such an important message. Stand tall and reject censorship and the hateful voices. Don't let anyone keep you down. You are an amazing person.

Abby, I ended up here from the advocate.com article. I’m very moved by this piece, and hope that as many people as possible see it. It seems that Mr. Simmons’ personal issues have created the Streisand effect, and maybe a ‘thanks’ is in order to him, because his silly opposition has resulted in thousands (probably soon millions) more people seeing your work. Work like yours will prevent us entering a second ‘dark ages’ period of religious oppression, and I applaud your bravery and honesty expressed in your art. Cheers from UK!

Great work, please continue on your art journey. Years from now you will look back at your experience at that school and laugh. They are small people.

Amazing dispute of problematic irrational beliefs many people have! It is so difficult to stay grounded with our discomfort rather than escaping it through drugs or negative thought looping statements like I should have done this, could have done that, if only I would have done this. This piece is as effective for me as a positive affirmation ??

You can love something or someone and still critique it. Your love and devotion to someone or something requires critical reasoning and discernment so that you remain true to yourself and your healthy boundaries while reinforcing the stated goals of your loved one. This piece demonstrates the conflict society and institutions create with their inconsistent messaging of universal acceptance and in-real-life exclusion of people that don’t fit a normative profile. I felt ostracized from religion and religious groups my whole life because of the dysfunctional family environment within which I grew up - and I was critical of the organizations that were the most exclusive/hypocritical to my understanding of God’s love. I still got married in the church and will raise my kids in the church - but let them know it’s one truth among many, and any hate veiled in religious truth is political, and needs to be challenged as universal humanism is the only altruistic truism I know to hold true across all religious platforms and hate/exclusion is relegated to the political/cultural/economic platforms. Great Job! I would buy this print and hang it in my house proudly

I am also here after seeing your piece on Reddit. It is evocative and inspiring, very encouraging to see a young artist with a powerful message. I’m impressed with all of your pieces and wanted to express my support.

As a pastor in an open and inclusive church, I celebrate your prophetic courage to speak against the sin of homophobia. Maybe your art will covert others to a more god like faith that rejects hate. I hope you are always surrounded by a loving community.

This is fantastic art with a powerful, important message. Keep up the amazing work, and don't ever get discouraged from making your voice heard!

As an adult transwoman who grew up in the Bible Belt, I felt this in my soul…. It speaks to every part of me that grew up hating myself and struggling with my identity and the trauma and mental anguish this causes that lingers long into adulthood. You are very talented, very brave, and very bright. Keep doing amazing things, Abby. People like you grow up to change the world.

Hi Abby! This work is truly inspired. I’m a PhD student at Northwestern University in Religious Studies, an interdisciplinary field that probes the category of religion in various ways, including how queer and trans folks take up, reimagine, and/or reject religion. If you’d ever like to have a conversation about the themes your art explores, please feel free to Google my name, Izzak, and Northwestern University, and shoot me an email, and I and colleagues of mine will be happy to speak with you! Regardless, keep this wonderful exploration of human experience up!

You've captured the essence of LGBT religious trauma perfectly, Abby. Keep your brush high and keep expressing yourself, because your voice and vision are powerful tools. The lettering in particular hits me hard as I have self-inflicted marks like that on my skin, and some of the comments made to me in religious settings, when I was discovering myself and vulnerable, were inhumane. This piece makes me reflect on those times, how I've survived and how lucky I was to do so. Let me tell you, this asexual, British ex-Mormon does not find your work offensive. Keep it up.

Born and raised in Utah — I feel this in my meow meow. Keep up the great work! We love it.

Thank you for making this.

Thank you for speaking for so many whose voices have been silenced and your piece shows what great art can accomplish when lifting those who are oppressed. Congratulations and I wish for you much luck and joy in your artistic career.

I cannot thank you enough for creating this captivating piece. You are a trailblazer and true inspiration. Please continue to make art and force people to face the distorted reality of the oppression they helped create.

Absolutely stunning piece Abby. Amazing work.

I think this is a great work. Very thought provoking and I’m sure moving to many.

A thoughtful piece of art that conveys what so many queer folk have gone through in the past and, worst still, continue to go through today. Lessons learned have been easily forgotten. I commend you, Abby, for speaking out so clearly and powerfully against the trauma of religion felt by so many in the queer community.

Hi Abby, Your art perfectly captures what I was told by the church I grew up in and the trauma I experienced as a result. I really appreciate that you made this. By the grace of God I am still a Christian despite my childhood experiences and I just wanted to say that the reaction of Christians like me should be to think about what the art is saying and listen to what those who were hurt have to say. From the news articles it says "Christians" were offended and tried to ban it. I am sorry for those reactions. I am sharing it with my friends and church instead. -Anthony

You rock! How clever, impactful and cool

Fantastic piece and wonderful message that resonates with a lot of us! You’re very talented, and you should be proud!!!

Great job Abby! I'm a recently deconverted Christian, and understanding religious trauma has been a big part of my journey out. Keep speaking your mind! You are gifted

Found this online, it really has an impact. Sorry it's invited controversy on you, but it means you hit close to the mark and found something real. There are a lot of us deconstructing religious trauma out there. Keep up the good work and know you're not alone!

Amazing

powerful work Abby. keep painting!!!

I like the values on this! Again with the focus on complimentary colors - super pop-y, super bright, super strong

DUDE this is so good!! Blue and orange is my favorite set of complimentary colors <3 this imagery is really thoughtful

This is really moving. The lettering, the use of ransom note words, and specific imagery of addictions - coupled with the scritchy line value - comes together in a very straight forward and important message. 10/10

Fantastic job expressing the hypocrisy of religion

Such a powerful work. You have a bright future as an artist and truth teller.

I beg to differ with you...I love this piece. In fact, I feel this is one of your strongest pieces! Subjectively, what you describe as barbed wire resembles jewelry. The outstretched arm, strength, and a profound ability to share a burden. In essence, to relieve another's burden. For me, there's no bondage or codependency, at all. Only, the sharing of your strength. You are just beginning, I would love to see your work in 15 years! As my grandkids would say...You got this Bro!

As someone who is queer and was raised in the Protestant church, this piece perfectly expressed the complexity of my feelings towards religion while growing up. Thank you, I hope you continue to make art for a long time!

This is so good. Keep doing what you’re doing Abby.

Thank you for sharing this important message for our community.

Thank you for sharing this important message for our community.

Fantastic, evocative and does exactly what all great art attempts: emotional response. Bravo!

I found my way here from reddit. This is brilliant. You know you're doing something that matters when it makes people feel feelings. Keep making art ??

Dear Abby, I just finished reading an article on "But Not Enough to Save You" in LGBTQ Nation. Bravo on a beautiful and thought provoking piece! Know that members of the community you'll probably never meet (like this 40 year old pan woman living in deep red Florida) appreciate and admire your work. Best wishes, Kay

This is a fantastic piece with real emotional weight. Well done!

This is so powerful. I’m an adult now, pushing 40, but I remember this lonely feeling of being irrevocably broken and unredeemable and I’m right back in high school again. Stay strong.

Saw this on LGBTQ Nation. Keep doing what yer doing. It's so, so important. Ironic the name of your town, and they're trying to suppress you. I am glad your art is having such a huge impact. Shows you did a good thing. Sending HUGE support from MA. Hang in there. Never stop being exactly who you are <3

This is amazing, emotional and impactful and you should be proud that you put this out into the world.

good use of color

Abby, I saw an article online about your art. Your piece responds and engages with the theme of the show very well. Keep expressing yourself.

Beautifully provocative

From a kindred Virginian, it takes a lot of courage to say what needs to be said. Stay strong, things get better.

the ethel cain effect

Great work. I cant imagine living in such a theocracy as you do. Keep it up :)

Incredibly proud of the vulnerability you give us a glimpse of with this piece. You're a brilliant artist and what you did with this is proving exactly how powerful art can be. I hope you continue to use art as a platform to spread love and educate some of those who choose to live in darkness. You are a light, Abby. ??

I grew up in a religion that taught it was a sin to be queer. As a teen I lost a close friend who took her own life because she couldn't be her true self. Gods "love" was not enough to save her. Thank you for this powerful piece of art. Some people may take issue with it, but they are wrong. They spread hatred under the guise of love, and take offense to being called out about it?

I'm sorry people are choosing to hate on you just because you chose to defend that you have equal dignity and rights as everyone else. Stay strong, you have a bright life ahead of you.

Hi Abby, I just wanted to let you know that this piece has touched people farther across the world than you might have imagined. I saw it via an article shared online yesterday where many supportive comments have already been shared. I hope this link makes it to you so that you may read them for yourself! ___ A high school artist called out Christian bigotry. Her school board is furious. Posted 21 hrs ago and currently 219 likes, 11 comments ___ From myself, I just want to say that it's so very thought provoking and that I absolutely love it. A powerful piece of art by which the overreaction by a sad few only further illustrates its truth. Keep it up, Abby. You're amazing!

Abby, I saw the story in the News Leader about your work. I followed it here to your page. Your work is beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for expressing your lived experience here in Augusta. You deserve to be seen. I see you. I want you to know I'm a parent of students in ACPS, and I'm angry an ACPS board member questions your First Amendment rights, refuses to acknowledge your abilities and your experience. I hope the ACPS lawyers school them on the Constitution. My voice stands ready to lift you up if they decide to push you down. Lift your brush high!

I love this, and I especially love the conversation it’s caused. If it’s for sale, please let us know somehow.

I love this thought provoking piece. I would actually be interested in watching the bidding war that would happen if this piece is ever released for purchase. If you can get an entire county’s knickers in a knot as a young adult, I CANNOT wait to see your career progress as an artist! Your art did exactly what arts purpose is-provoke conversation. And hopefully at least one person saw your work and decided to be a better human for it. Rock on!

Ethel Cain would be so proud Mother loves you

Hi Abby, I'm a teacher from New Zealand. I saw your work on 'the friendly atheist.' Congratulations for creating an excellent piece of art that grabbed world-wide attention, made people think, and exposed the hypocrisy and double standards of many nominal Christians! Keep up the excellent work!

You have a gift for creating visually striking and powerful images, thanks for sharing that gift with the rest of us :)

Hi, Abby! Staunton local here. I am quite moved by your collection of work, sometimes to tears, in particular by this piece. It's absolutely gorgeous. I learned of your art from local news sources. Hearing of your continued bravery and resilience in the face of discrimination is truly inspiring. I want you to know that you have an ally in me, my partner, my children, and many more community members. We believe in you!

Nice work Abby! Don't let them get you down.

Abby, you are truly a gifted, thought-provoking artist. I am grateful that you are part of our community and I celebrate you. I hope this piece makes it out nationally and even globally. It deserves to be shared, to inspire, to disrupt. There are times when an artist or writer reflects our contradictions and hypocrisies with profound clarity and simplicity, cutting through the distortion, holding up a mirror to reflect where we fall short. For me, you have done so in this piece. Thank you.

Impressive work and great talent/intellect.

Thank you for weathering the storm and making something beautiful and challenging. I'm glad every time I see an artist speak out and use their talent to highlight the injustices put upon the innocent, it makes the world feel a little less lonely and a little more hopeful. Take care.

Are you considering putting this piece up for sale? I would like to bid on it.

I think your piece is spot-on! Great art should start a discussion and this piece does! Keep up the good work!

You are a brilliant, talented artist. Stand strong and let nothing hold you back from expressing yourself.

This piece is STUNNING! Abby, you are the most courageous and admirable artist and I would love to contribute to art supply and inspiration funding, if your parents have something set up for you. KEEP GOING!!!!

You are amazing. Stay that way and continue to be brave. I love your art.

Abby, Thank you for showing your truth! You have more in your corner than you think. You are truly an amazing artist!

Abby I’m proud that you are able to express yourself. I love your artwork. I’m also a valley artist, but I live in Richmond now after having lived in the DC area for 17 years. Just know that there are churches out there who would love you just as you are. We have a queer pastor, and several gay members. You deserve unconditional love.

This is what art is about. It is an expression that makes people think! So very proud of you. I know you have a bright future ahead.

Great artistic piece. The only thing I found offensive was the unenlightened deplorable actions of 2 school board members

Abby: You're perfect as you are. God loves you as you are. Thank you for your honesty and bravery in creating this piece and sharing it with the world. I apologize on behalf of those who won't apologize for themselves. We are doing a poor, poor job of spreading the Gospel if we cause anyone to believe that they are excluded from God's love.

I’m lesbian and so proud of you for expressing your feelings into your art work!!!! It takes courage and so many stand behind you!!!

Abby, in my humble opinion you are brilliant. Absolutely love your art work. A lot of food for thought.

Beautiful artwork and a very powerful message. There are members of the Fort community that believe in your right to free speech and to express it through your art. Stand strong and know that you are not alone.

Very cool!

I saw your art through the News Leader. The fact that your art was even reviewed on the school board level puts so much more strength into its message and story. Not many students have the ability to make art that should not be offensive, but still stirs controversy and discussion. Keep it up and congrats in bringing the social and societal flaws to the surface. Everything about this art and its sad attempt to be taken down is AWESOME.

Love this!

I think this is a brilliant and important piece. I applaud the artist's bravery and creative expression. I wish them all the best and a bright and thriving future. Being true to yourself gets easier after high school, but it's always going to take grit and love of yourself. Go you!

Abby, if you ever see this. I'm sorry you have been treated to feel this way. I'm sorry it's more important to keep you quiet then to listen to your feelings. I pray you always know you're Enough. I pray you always stand tall. I pray you are not only heard but listened to with respect. Know you are loved. Love you ~thy neighbor

“I never paint dreams or nightmares. I paint my own reality.” - Frida Kahlo Abby - keep painting your reality. Even if… especially if… some find it hard to digest.

Great job, kiddo. Don’t let anyone discourage you from doing your art. Your voice is important. Keep using it.