Pride 2020: Proud Ally, Proud Family

As we draw to the close of Pride Month, it occurs to me that this year, given all of the other serious issues that our country is facing, we have not been able to give Pride its due.  However, I have things to say, and although everything that I have to say may not fit together perfectly, I'm just going to let it flow, because this momma positively bursts with Pride.  

I'm unapologetically proud of my family, of my kids.  Not proud of their accomplishments, necessarily, that's their pride to feel, but proud of their character. 

When my daughter came out to me, I was disappointed in my own reaction, because I was annoyed.  Looking back, I realize that I wasn't annoyed about her LGBTQ status, I was annoyed with how she shared the information:  her intent and timing weren't ideal as we were in a dispute over something else at the time.  Nevertheless, we made it through that moment with our relationship in tact, and then we were able to move forward.  

Overall, I was not surprised.  I feel like my life had been preparing me for this moment as a mom.  That's not something that can be explained, it is what it is. I had always felt passionate about gay rights, and had been asked about it on many occasions. Why do you feel so strongly about being an ally?  I don't really know.  I just do.  

When my daughter came out to the world, her brother was the first one to respond and say, "I will always support you."  And that, friends, has been my proudest moment as a parent.  What more could I ask from my kids?  In fact, our entire family has been incredibly supportive, right down to Gamma squealing with delight, and shouting, "Congratulations!"

So, while I've gone quiet on partisan politics, it is my intention never to go quiet when it comes to human rights, equality, and advocacy.  I recently became involved in a debate over same-sex marriage, Christianity, and the Bible.  I later wrote a deeply personal response to a friend who thought he may have offended me during that debate.  With my daughter's encouragement, I share it with you, now...

"Offended is not the right word... I am so at peace with my world and my existence that being offended serves no purpose. You believe in right and wrong, and one true God. I believe in love. I believe that God is love. Literally. I believe that the emotion, love, is so all encompassing and so powerful that early man could not understand it nor could they explain it.  An all powerful god was how they wrapped their heads around it and learned to structure their lives. 

My daughter is gay and in a very happy, healthy, loving relationship. When my kids were young I raised them in the church. We went to  church, Sunday school, youth group, mission trips. The organized church and the man made constructs of religion caused irreparable damage, almost destroyed her. This is not what God wants for his children. It is not who God is. God is love. 

I am not offended by your beliefs and I understand why you may need a solid line to follow. I do become exhausted from constant conflict and stress, be it internal or external. I prefer not to engage and will not when it comes to liberalism or conservativism, republican or democrat. All of that is immaterial. None of it is real. Humanity is real. Love is real. Racism, bigotry and liberty for all... ALL humans... Are the hills I'm willing to die on."

So, what's the point to all of this rambling?  I'm not sure, but it's in my heart to share, and I'm thinking that maybe, by sharing, I can help someone else.  

I'm so excited to be Proud!  I'm so excited for my daughter who is finally able to live authentically, and has found peace and happiness in that authenticity.  I'm so excited to go to my first Pride - whenever that may be - and to give out the free Mom Hugs!  I'm so excited that, as my daughter found her truth, some of my own was revealed.  

Finally, if you are dealing with this issue in your family, and you need a person to love and support you, here I am. Whether you are a kid, a parent, or grandparent, no matter your political party or religious beliefs, do not even think twice... message me, text me, call me, email me.   Maybe I can help you to feel Proud, too?