Pieces of Ice

PIECES OF ICE tells the stories of Timothy D. BellaviaA's life experiences as an effeminate male. There is a vulnerability and innocence that carry the story, even as the issues in BellaviaA's life get more complicated. Despite the hardships that Bellavia has faced, his A"gentle spiritA" is ever-present, regardless of his age. Therichly full colored illustrated picture book shows that the raw experiences from his childhood have stayed with him his whole life.Collaborating with Bellavia is Kristin Walsh. Eighteen years ago, the creative partners had a genuine, but turbulent, intimate relationship. After the relationship ended, Bellavia had to face his sexuality. A"I felt betrayed and belittled by her relationship and eventual marriage to her husband,A" says Bellavia. A"True to my pattern, I froze her out of my life.A"Close to two decades later, Bellavia and Walsh reunited through the social-networking site FACEBOOK. A"Working on this project with Timmy has invigorated my soul and has made me feel like a born-again Kristin,A" Walsh says about helping Bellavia bring his poignant memories to print.PIECES OF ICE coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which catapulted the gay-rightA's movement. A"Prior to the riots the LGTBQ community had to hide or be invisible.A" Bellavia explains. A"My hope is that my story enables others to empathize and see what it is like being A'different.A' When we have tolerance, individuals truly can find success in their own uniqueness.A"

Timothy D. Bellavia is an award winning author, illustrator and educator.