An Autobiography in 2,200 Characters

Originally published as an Instagram post. See @offmutewithmel.

photo by Jen Conway

Originally published as an Instagram post. See @offmutewithmel.

I once heard someone say, “when it comes to love, if you don’t show it, it doesn’t count.” That expression resonated with me and the sentiment informs my approach to life.

I grew up in a factory town with a lot of bars. When it came time for me to transition into manhood, I…