Happy Pride Month — to Each and Every Member of the LGBTIQA+ Community

I may not be able to relate on a first-hand level but I am nonetheless empathetic towards the LGBTIQA+ community as someone who has taken a long time to become comfortable in their skin. This is something that everyone can relate to on some level.

I admit that I haven’t been the recipient of the discrimination, hatred, and even persecution that the LGBTIQA+ community has but I nonetheless identify with you, each member of the community as someone who just wants to be accepted, to be included, and to be loved.

This is something that is very natural for human beings to want, to strive for, and that is one of the many reasons why I take the utmost pride in standing by and walking with my friends, my colleagues, and even those I have yet to meet, as an ally.

I am proud of each and every one of you for having the courage to be exactly who you are, to let the world know who you are despite the very real possibility of being discriminated against by potential employers, ostracized by so-called friends, or even being disowned by your own families.

Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot celebrate who you are and do not give anyone permission to let you feel less than who you are.

To those who deny the LGBTIQA+ community for being who they are, shame on you.

To those who deny the LGBTIQA+ community of marriage, shame on you; and

To those who choose to spew hatred and ignorance instead of educating yourselves or, better yet, minding your own business, shame on you.

The LGBTIQA+ community has — and continues to — let their voices be heard and persevere in the face of opposition and injustice — something any human being should be able to relate to.

Regardless of whether we personally know each other, you are my brothers, you are my sisters, you are my friends.

You are exceptional human beings, strong human beings, and role models to so many others fighting their own battles, whether directly similar to yours or not.

Nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight.

So, thank you for continuing to kick at the darkness till it bleeds daylight.

But most of all, thank you for being you and for making this world a better place.

Happy Pride Month! You all deserve it — each and every one of you