I am the first to admit that I was probably once judgmental of people’s lifestyles. However, I have to thank my cousin for giving me so much to be proud of and for teaching me to be truly tolerant.
A,
First I want to thank you. You are a truly amazing person with a beautiful heart and that I feel like at some point I took for granted. I wish I had been a better person to you when we were younger. Someone who you felt safe to share things with. Although I know that now we do not talk very much I hope you know how proud I am of you. And I know that your journey has not been easy. I am sure that you have been faced with a lot of judgement, however, that did not keep you from living your truest self. I think that is one of the bravest things that I have ever been able to bear witness too.
Next thing I want to tell you, I love you!! And I love you so much and have so much respect for you. And I want you to know that I may not have been someone who you could have gone to before, but I am someone who will sit with you and listen if you need someone. I want nothing but the best for you ever day. And I hope this is something that you know. Because I love you and I am always here.
But I also want to ask for your forgiveness and your grace. I know that there where times that I was probably not supportive. And I know that there were times that you probably felt judged. I am sorry for these time I am sorry that I was not the person that you needed me to be. And I am sure that it would have be nice to have one of your childhood best friends to be there for you and I am so sorry that I was not that person for you. I should have been. Because I fell short, I am sorry that I was not in a place that you needed me to be. But I am here now, present and ready to be the listening ear whenever you need me.
To Those Loving someone through Their Pride Journey:
Be tolerant: The world is full of enough hate. Be the person that is safe, safe for someone to talk to. We are all going through a journey just because theirs is different than yours does not mean that you have to be judgmental. Even if you do not understand, listen. You never know you might learn something new. Let others teach you and allow yourself to grow as a person. Finally just remember that we all have things that we are working on, no one wants to be judged for their pride journey.
Love them: Again the world is full of hate, so be the one who says, “I don’t care who you are I still love you.” Our friends and family in the pride community have enough that they are up against, don’t be one of their battles. Be an ally. No, you may not always agree with their life choice, but maybe they don’t agree with yours. But, we can all still love each other for who we are.
It is my hope that our climate will become one that my children will be able to grow up in and see how far we have come as a people. One that used to be ruled by hate and intolerance, to one that is very loving and accepting. I hope that we can quite dehumanizing people and accept them for who they are. That way we can keep moving forward.
For me, I vow to be an ally and a safe place.
Enjoy pride month but loving yourself and those you love.
Stay Safe!