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'Hope will never be silent' - Harvey Milk

A couple of years ago I was given a book containing true love stories from everyday people. The more I read and as much as I loved the idea of this book, it quickly became apparent to me that the vast majority of the love stories contained in this book were between heterosexual partners. As a member of the LGBTQIA community, this saddened me.



I created this blog as a space for other members of the LGBTQIA community to post and share their stories of love. These stories are just as valid and important and have every right to be shared and viewed. Although progress is being made in the realm of LGTBQI rights, there is still a long way to go. In order to reduce the negative stigma associated with the LGTBQIA community, exposure is a must!



Despite the progress towards equality in recent years, there is still much hate and discrimination present in the world. I thought that it would be nice for people to see that despite unequal treatment that is still so common in American society, happiness is indeed possible.




Caveat: This blog was not created to "fight the man" and force equality in American society; rather these stories have been posted to give people hope that love in the LGTBQIA is right and okay. Furthermore, this blog was created to honor the stories of everyday people who are often ignored and remind people that love is the same, no matter the couple.


#loveoutloud





** If you have a story that you'd like to share, please email me at: miatfurtado@gmail.com































Thursday, July 25, 2013

So I wouldn't say that my grandparents are overtly homophobic, but they are definitely uncomfortable with the subject. I'm not sure if the issue is with homosexuality in general, or if it is because during their time this was something that was not discussed or present really. They both grew up in a time when homosexuals were closeted and few actually acted on their instinctual desires.

Since I have come out they made it clear that they love and support me, but discussing my partner and our life together has always been uncomfortable. They rarely ask questions about us and they will listen when I discuss her, but usually the conversation ends once I am done speaking. I don't think they are disappointed in me, I think it is more of an issue of not being entirely sure of what to say or how to ask about us honestly.

Over the years however, they have begun to ask more questions about us and refer to my partner by her first name. I am planning on proposing to her in the near future and I decided to break the news to my grandparents. My grandmother has collected jewelry over the years and when I mentioned that I did in fact have a ring, she started talking about how she may have a ring that could be more suited for wear when she works.

Honestly I was blown away. I was very nervous to tell my grandparents that I am planning on proposing and have a ring because these conversations are still slightly awkward. To have my grandmother offer one of her rings that I could give to my girlfriend astounded me. This was the greatest gift of acceptance that I believe I have received yet.

I personally do not believe in asking for anyone's blessing, I don't think it is anyone else's place or business, but in a way, this was my grandmother giving her blessing to me. The historical context of asking permission for marriage strikes too much of an ownership cord for me to be comfortable. Because she, on her own volition, offered to give me one of her possessions that symbolizes our union together, is the biggest tangible blessing of our relationship that I could imagine receiving.

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