Warning- this is long and more serious than normal:

I am 28.
I am gay.
I came out to everyone I know 2 years ago.

In two months I’m planning a small surprise “get together” for my moms birthday.

When I brought up the subject of my partner of 3 years,

I was told that He is “allowed” to come

But only if I introduced him to everyone as my “friend”.

My families logic: they doesn’t want to have to introduce my niece and nephew (ages 10 & 7) to “this stuff” yet.

To them, I’m sure, this seems a simple ask

But let me be clear- it’s not.

What my family is communicating is that Who I am as a person, my identity, isn’t appropriate for some of my closest family members.

Kids who would love me unconditionally regardless.

Kids who look up to me.

For those of you who say things like:

“I’m so sick of this pride stuff every year.”

“why does everything have to be gay?”

THIS.
THIS is why we march in parades.
THIS is why we have a month.
THIS is why I am PROUD

So if you have someone in your life who identified as part of the #LGBTQ community,

Tell them you love them.
Tell them they matter.

Because chances are there’s someone in their life telling them the opposite

#AlwaysPride #LoveWins