06/04/2026
š Happy Pride Month! š
As Pride celebrations kick off around the world, I am reminded that not everyone gets the dramatic, heartfelt, made-for-TV "coming out" story.
Some of us had family members who apparently subscribed to the Breaking News Network.
Before I had the chance to tell my grandfather, the man who helped raise me, that I was gay, a relative decided to handle the announcement on my behalf. (To this day, I would like to know who elected them Public Relations Director.)
My grandfather didn't speak to me for a few weeks afterward.
A few weeks.
Not forever.
Because eventually, something more powerful than surprise, discomfort, or expectations took over:
Love.
That's one of the reasons Pride Month matters. Not because every story is perfect. Not because every family gets it right the first time.
But because every person deserves more than tolerance.
Tolerance says, "I guess I'll put up with you."
Love says, "I see you, I value you, and you belong here."
So, this Pride Month, whether you have a beautiful coming-out story, a messy one, no story at all, or you're still figuring things out, know this:
You deserve love; not merely tolerance.
And if someone tries to tell your story before you're ready, just remember: unauthorized disclosures have been causing problems long before social media. š
Love is love. Happy Pride Month. ā¤ļøš§”šššš