Illegitimi non carborundum

          When I came out to my mom, she told me, “I’ve known you were gay since you were two years old. That’s why I never got you baptized. My parents made me go to church,” she reminisced with me, “ and I didn’t want you to grow up with a religion that believes who you are is a sin.”

            Sometimes she will say, “I honestly do not know what I would do it you were straight!” She tells me she loves having a gay son and we both know why- because she has a diva down the hall who can give her fashion advice when and when not needed. Often I get the same generic question, “But how is your dad with it? Does he care?” In response, I counter with, “Well he has had a gay roommate and he has gay friends. He honestly treats me no different because it is just who I am.”

            In the news, online media and by word of mouth, I have heard of gay teens getting cut off from their family because of the life they have “decided” to live. I once briefly dated a boy who told me his parents ignored the fact he was gay. It was such a shock to me because my mom has always told me to embrace the person I am. For his parents to ignore this part of him, it was like they were ignoring he had a face. Both were equally important parts of his identity. Alas, the worst is teens who are beaten for who they are. No wonder there have been incidences of suicide, our community does not feel welcome by ignorant people.

            Though we have made much progress in the US same sex marriage is only legal in 16 states. Yet according to NCSL.org 25 states allow you to wed your first cousin. Is it asking too much to be given the same rights as a straight couple? I find it to be unjust for legislators to base these laws off of a person’s sexual orientation. To with-hold certain abilities because “it’s against evolution”, “immoral” or because “God says fags burn in hell.” is no real reason.  While all of this may seem to be fantasy, it is my reality.

            Perhaps our lives are full of fabulousness. And when you think of the word “gay” you get the urge to throw sparkle dust on your tata’s and shimmy. We have such a fun and supporting community, which most of us are involved with [e.g. party at the club.] But the reason is is so easy for us to smile is because we know we have crushed our haters. Dealing with bullies and communities who do not accept you is difficult. And right now there are 33 states who are denying us the freedom to be who we want to be. My state included.