Letter to my Uncle

My uncle sends those emails, you know the ones, bash bash bash, all the United for Family and such emails. He is very political and very opinionated. Last night I received the last of those emails that I choose to read. I did not reply last night. I decided to be calm and collected and do so this morning. This is an edited version of the letter but you get the gist.

Uncle,

Thank you for being up front and sharing your opinions so freely. I would like to take a moment to share mine. I am gay. I own a Gay and Lesbian company. I work hard every single day. I have to put up with people that share your beliefs in my professional and personal life every minute of the day. I will not stand by and put up with them in my family life as well.

There is nothing wrong with me. There is nothing wrong with being gay. There is something wrong with people being persecuted for something they cannot change. Yes, it would be easier some days to "act" straight and blend in with the masses. On those days, when I feel that way, I want to punch myself. I was not raised to lie and hide. I know you as an honorable person with grand opinions. I would hope that you can see that there is nothing wrong with my opinions differing from yours. I am not a "leftie" or even a liberal. I have very strong opinions and core beliefs that make me who I am.

I understand that "Gay Pride" might seem weird and unnecessary. It is neither. It helps a lot of people realize that they are not alone. That they are worthy of loving and being loved. It is a celebration of hope. Have you heard about all of the gay and lesbian teens killing themselves right now? Take a look at the Trevor Project. It is terrifying and sad that they end their lives not knowing that things get better. Look at Ben Cohen a very straight and world famous rugby player that started a foundation to help these people.

If you would like to know more, I would happily welcome intelligent discourse. I think our family has enough issues and enough people with issues that this should no longer we one of them.

Stepping off the soap box now,

Love always

Pride has arrived LGBT Seattle

Well, Pride is here again. Another year with so many changes for our LGBT community. There is a lot more to Pride than just a festival and parade. Many people work, fight and pray for our rights every year. Yes, it is a time to celebrate but also a time to consider all the things that have happened to our community over the last year. Laws, births, deaths, marriage, divorces, loves, business successes and failures are just a few. Please take a moment to reflect on why you are proud and maybe what would make you proud this year. Hope to see all of you at some of the celebrations! Happy Pride!