That's it

We're done with June now. That's it! Let the month go out on a very kind note though. See how many people you can make smile today.  See how many hearts you can warm.

fully visible

"While as a society we are moving toward greater inclusion and equality for all people, the tide of history only advances when people make themselves fully visible." -Broadcaster Anderson Cooper

Melissa said

“Love is never wrong.” 

       -Melissa Etheridge

because of who you are

Do things for people, not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.

every single American

"Every single American — gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, transgender — every single American deserves to be treated equally in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of our society. It’s a pretty simple proposition." -Barack Obama

define yourself

“Accept no one’s definition of your life, define yourself.” -Harvey Fierstein

someday

Someday we won't have to "come out of the closet."  We'll just say we are in love and that will be all that matters.  Someday.  Happy Pride everyone!

It takes no money to respect the individual

"It takes no compromise to give people their rights. It takes no money to respect the individual. It takes no political deal to give people freedom. It takes no survey to remove repression." -San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk 

live authentically

Don't ever tell someone that they can't be exactly who they are.  Gender identity and sexual orientation are personal.  WE are in control, not others who might hate us.  Be a friend.  Be someone that others can count on.  We all deserve to live authentically.

Taylor said

Singer Taylor said it so well last week. “We can’t talk about Pride Month without talking about pain," she said. "There have been so many harmful pieces of legislation that have put people in the LGBTQ and Queer community at risk.”

words from Barack Obama

Former President Barack Obama told us "Each of us deserves the freedom to pursue our own version of happiness. No one deserves to be bullied."

the rainbow of humanity

"What I liked about the rainbow is that it fits all of us. It’s all the colors. It represents all the genders. It represents all the races. It’s the rainbow of humanity." - Rainbow flag creator Gilbert Baker

more important that ever

Every morning for the past several years, I sit down and write something here about kindness.  Most of my posts are fairly general and could apply to any day of the year.  This month I decided to focus on my LGBTQ+ community.  We deserve kindness and respect - everyone does.  Right now, with so much hate in the world, it is more important that ever.  Show some extra love and kindness this month to everyone who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

love is love is love

Lin-Manuel Miranda's words from his Tony Award acceptance speech seven years ago still bring tears to my eyes, and on the first day of Pride month it seems so appropriate to remember them.
              "And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love, 

                   cannot be killed or swept aside.
              I sing Vanessa’s symphony, Eliza tells her story.
              Now fill the world with music, love, and pride."