On Coming Out Day

Yesterday was not a day for me.

I am a 59 year old cis white male set firmly in the middle class. Child of two college professors, I am the very definition of straight, white privilege.

I look at the members of my family, and I do not say chosen family anymore, that is not an accurate term, they are my family; and I am always amazed.

You are brilliant, talented, passionate, skilled, funny, odd, silly, wonderful and so much more.

And there are so many that a big swath of society looks at and goes “they are evil, awful people”. Sometimes it is because of who they love, sometimes the color of their skin, sometimes just their political beliefs. Bullies will always find a scapegoat.

I believe that my family should have all the same rights and privileges that I do. All of them. In my lifetime, there were states in this nation where it was illegal for me to be married to the fabulous Lizzie Crowe. There are still a large number of people who believe that it should be illegal. Those are the same people who believe that many consenting adults should not have the same rights that my wife and I do. And there are so many who say that it is not the same thing.

It is the same thing. It is a denial of rights due to bigotry.

I saw so many speak up yesterday, and it made me so proud to be part of my family. In these horrific times, it takes such bravery to speak up.

I think I can speak for everyone in my house. We are here for you, all of you. Not just on a specific day, but every day.

I love you all. Thank you for being my family.