The other night I went out to dinner with a friend and we got to talking about when we came out and how exciting that time was for us. I can remember feeling giddy and excited about life-even though I was 25, I felt just like a teenager again.

I can remember feeling like I had entered a whole new world that I had never known about before. All of a sudden a light bulb had gone off and I finally understood what everyone had been talking about for years. I thought I had liked men and was attracted to them, I mean, everyone else was so I should have been too right?

When I realized that I liked women, in that moment, it was like time stopped. How had I never known this before? In that moment I was so sure and it made such sense, I couldn't believe that this was a surprise to me. Five years later, I am still surprised that it took me so long. I am a lesbian, the signs were there from early childhood, but I never made the connections.

This past week I also attended a training on teaching students with learning disabilities in which the facilitator literally conducted a lesson that a room full of educators participated in. As a group, we were given a few directions on how to complete the lesson and what the expectations were. Like the obedient educators we are, we followed his directions completely.

At the end of the lesson, the facilitator asked us why we did not deviate from his expectations. Yes he had given us some specific rules to follow but aside from those rules, there had been no other expectations. As he asked us, we began to laugh because admittedly deviating from the exact outlined expectations had never even occurred to us.

Upon leaving work, I thought more about why people tend to follow the path that is laid out for them, rather than taking a less trod path or even blazing a path of their own. I thought about myself and the path I had taken to discovering my true sexuality and how bumpy and curvy it had been. Yes I agree that it is the journey that is important, not the destination, and no I have no regrets; but all the same, knowing that there were other paths I could have taken would have been a relief for me.

Sure there have been trailblazers, thank goodness for them, who have forged paths where there were none. Maybe I should have been more self reliant and found my own path even when I felt that there wasn't one provided to me.

I cannot blame society, and that is not my intention, but I can point out this simple fact: today, there are still thousands of individuals, like myself ten years ago, that do not know that living a homosexual lifestyle is an option for them. Furthermore, there are many that are told that they cannot participate in this lifestyle or there will be grave consequences for there are many that still belief that there is only one path that everyone should follow.

I have written on the importance of coming out and acknowledging all forms of sexual identity but there are still many who believe that this information is not important and should not be discussed. Once again, I argue that it is. Knowing that there are multiple different sexual identities and affiliations could spare many questioning individuals years of confusion, fear and shame.

This society is filled with both direct as well as indirect messages promoting heterosexual lifestyles which as a result suggests that this is the preferred or expected sexual identity to identify as. What many people don't understand is that at some point everyone comes out at least once in his or her life. From engagement announcements to introducing a partner, any time someone speaks about his or her partner, that person is declaring his or her sexuality. In this society, declaring heterosexuality is not seen as declaring a sexuality however; this is just the expected behavior.

Along these lines, there are many that argue homosexual or transgender lifestyles should not be discussed with children because they are too impressionable. Speaking from experience, some part of me knew I was attracted to girls at a very young age and I had no idea what a homosexual was. Exposing children to homosexual lifestyles does not cause harm, attempting to deter them from what feels natural is.

Opponents are right, children are impressionable. They look to their family, friends and loved ones to teach and direct them. Children are simple. If they are taught to love, then they will love. If they are taught to hate well then they will hate. Not only will children learn to hate others but they also may learn to hate themselves as well. I know many that have hated themselves because they did not fit into the expected path that was laid out before them.

Diversity is a beautiful thing and society should reflect the diversity of those that live within it. Every option should be discussed so that those who know they are on a different path, they will not feel abnormal or like a freak. Not all people walk along the same path of life and this should be celebrated, not feared. And once that path has been walked upon, each step should be celebrated and supported with love, even though the path may be different.

Mia

Dear Michael Sam,

I wanted to take the time to thank you for your strength and courage. You dedicated your life to the sport you love and despite the known culture, you chose to honor yourself despite certain pervasive opinions.

Your sexuality should not matter. What matters is that you were the defensive player of the year in the college league and that honor speaks for itself. Your talent and ability is known around the nation.

Your declaration defied and dispelled many stereotypes and began the process of changing hearts and opening minds. You were the first of your kind to speak up and speak out and you did so eloquently and bravely.

When you were drafted to the Rams, my heart exploded for you and my faith in your sporting institution was somewhat revived. You public display of affection, though widely debated and denounced, showed the nation that it was just that: a public display of love. Not an act of violence or abuse, but rather an intimate moment between you and the one you love.

I thank you for bearing the burden of having your private life being the topic of conversation despite all the talent that you possess. I thank you for speaking your truth and becoming a role model for those to aspire and look up to. I thank you for not giving up and for challenging entrenched mentalities and beliefs.

Thank you for all that you have done and for being who you are.

Mia

Check out my newest piece written for SheRights :)

http://sherights.com

Largest Study of Its Kind Reveals that Children of Same-Sex Couples Thrive

By Guest on July 8, 2014 • ( 0 )

Results from a recent study suggests that children raised by same-sex parents fare just as well as, if not better than, children raised by heterosexual couples.
The study — the largest of its kind — was conducted by University of Melbourne researchers and followed 315 same-sex couples, primarily lesbians, and their 500 children, comparing their wellbeing to that of the general Australian population. According to the study’s lead researcher, Simon Crouchfound, “children from same-sex families scored, on average, 6% better on two key measures, general health and family cohesion, even when controlling for a number sociodemographic factors such as parent education and household income. But on most health measures, including emotional behaviour and physical functioning, there was no difference when compared with children from the general population.”

Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/picsfromj/624548713

To me, this is a ‘no-brainer’. First and foremost, children raised in any environment of love and stability are more than likely going to thrive physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I teach ‘at-risk’ populations of high school students and having one, let alone two, loving and committed parents is unfortunately very hard to find. These students experience myriad challenges, from homelessness and poverty, to drug use and prostitution.
There is one student in particular who comes to mind. He grew up in the foster care system and bounced from family to family. Due to his constantly changing environments, he experienced many difficulties throughout every aspect of his life. The turning point for him? When he was adopted by a gay male couple who finally provided him the safety and stability he had been severely lacking. He graduated this past spring. Their desire to become parents was the deciding factor in this young man’s life.
I do not believe that homosexual people are innately better at parenting than heterosexual individuals. However, the fact that same-sex couples are unable to reproduce on their own sets them apart – in more ways beyond the biological.
I have heard many times that the best thing about gay or lesbian sex is the lack of ‘mistakes’, ‘surprises’ or ‘accidents’ that can result. For many, this is a sigh of relief; but for others, a frustration beyond compare. To me, creating a life with your partner seems like an incredibly romantic idea because no matter how hard we try, my partner and I will never be able to create a life between just the two of us.
Being unable to create a life unassisted is the reality for all same-sex couples. Because of this, same-sex couples must plan and work in order to become parents. From in-vitro fertilization to adoption or surrogacy, there are no unplanned pregnancies for same sex couples.
Perspective is powerful. I have had heterosexual friends create a life that they considered to be a mistake and admittedly did not want to bring into the world; but they did. These individuals have admitted that there were not ready or wanting to become a parent. They had no desire.
Conversely, every same-sex couple I know that has started a family experienced months to years of discussing options, ‘trying’ to get pregnant via insemination or IVF, or experiencing multiple home visits and interviews from adoption and/or foster care agencies.No matter the obstacles and disappointments they faced, their desire to become parents overcame their frustrations.
I believe that any parent with the desire to raise and love a child will produce the safest and warmest environment for that growing life. It has been my experience, from living within a Queer environment, that no same-sex couples have taken being a parent for granted. Rather, the lack of natural ability seems to have fueled the desire to become a parent.
This study affirms what I’ve long believed: that nurture — not nature — is the defining characteristic of successful parenting. Regardless of one’s sexual orientation.
About the author: Mia Furtado is originally from the Bay Area in California but currently resides in Denver, Colorado. When Mia is not teaching high school special education, she spends her time reading, writing or involving herself in anything causing a ruckus.

In order for change to occur, a paradigm must be changed.

I have recently taken on a small side business and changing paradigms is at the center of many trainings. Since this principle has been introduced to me, I began thinking about how the LGTBQIA community has been changing paradigms.

Change is not easy and many people are afraid of and resist change. People get comfortable in what is used to status quo, even when status quo is not great. 

The LGTBQIA movement has been and continues to change established status quo all over the world which had been unsettling for individuals, families, governments and countries. From legalizing same sex marriage to the recognition of third gender, to the removal of mental illness classification to the decriminalization of certain sexual acts, this movement had been increasing exposure and equality for a vast minority of people worldwide. Personal paradigms have been and are changing and thus societies have as well.

In this country, from the Mattachine Society to the Stonewall Riots and Harvey Milk to Edie Falco, groups and individuals are no longer satisfied living in the status quo of inequality and injustice that the LGTBQIA community has historically experienced and are demanding change. From Barack Obama to Judy Shepard, family members and other straight allies are speaking out, drafting executive orders and standing up change. From the small pizza shops in Arizona to the NFL that have helped encouraged governors and legislators refrain from passing discriminatory legislation. They have changed paradigms.

Full equality has yet to be achieved and discrimination still runs rampant; but, huge changed has occurred in that members of the LGTBQIA community no longer have to live in the closet. Even prime time television has changed and our stories are no longer deamed inappropriate for children as they can even be seen on basic cable every evening. From 'Modern Family' to 'The Fosters' and 'Glee', issues concerning coming out to identifying as transgender to showing how 'normal' life living with two moms or two dads is, are central to these show's story lines.

Many traditionally conservative individuals have admitted that their paradigm was changed when they personally knew someone who came out. People who once believed that all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer or intersex individuals were sinners and damned for Hell. People who believed that all LGTBQI individuals were pedophiles, perpetrators or perverts. Minds and hearts have been changed through personal encounters and stories.

For those who have had the courage to acknowledge a change in their own paradigm. For realizing and accepting that he, she or xe might not live the life he, she or xe expected or was planned out for he, she or xe. For those who have had the courage to change a family member's, boss', friend's, coworker's, teacher's, institution's or society's paradigm. 

Happy pride y'all

Mom and Dad,

I am writing you this letter because I have something very important that I want to tell you and I want to get this out right. Before you worry,

everything is OK. In fact, I am more than alright.

I know this may come as a bit of a shock to you (or maybe not). I love both of you so much. What I want to tell you is that I am gay. Before either

of you have the chance to blame yourselves, I need you to understand that this has nothing to do with the way that I was raised or with you as

parents.

I have been struggling with this for years and a have finally come to terms with who I truly am. I know that you may have imagined a different life

for me, and I cannot help but imagine that there is some disappointment. But things (equal rights) are changing for the better every day. Maybe

you are you thinking to yourselves, “Gay children are something other people have, but not us.” That’s okay. I don’t expect you to come around

immediately. You can still love me and have trouble initially accepting who I love. What I do need for you to understand is that this was not a

choice. It is who I am.

I am sorry that I am writing this in a letter. It is not because I feel that I cannot talk about my feelings to you directly, but because I believe that

I will be able to better express my thoughts through my words written on paper. I understand that all of this information may be overwhelming

and quite a bit for you to take in, and I’m sorry if this causes you any unnecessary stress, but I’m tired of living according to what others think is the

right way to live. I've had years to think about this, and I have accepted myself as a gay woman.

I thought if I met the ‘right’ man I would fall in love, marry, etc. After some time of soul searching I HAVE discovered what I am really looking for.

My relationship with Justin was nice, I was sure that what I felt towards him was the kind of love that is felt between two individuals in a healthy

relationship. And I’ll admit that I might have pushed myself into the relationship because I was desperate to find love. Even though at times I was

happy, I more often than not, felt lost. I so desperately wanted us to work and to be able to live “happily ever after,” but in the end neither of us

could force it or fake it anymore. There was no electricity or magic. I felt alone, even though I was with someone who cared about me.

I don’t know why it took me this long to come to the realization that I am gay and I am not going to look back and ask why. It is just the way that

it happened and the way that I have always seemed to do things. My situation is not unique. There are a number of people who later in life who

discover their genuine self and realize that it is never too late to be happy.

I know society often argues that homosexuality is wrong because of what the Bible says. Leviticus may say that homosexuality is a sin which is

punishable by death, and we seem to accept the idea that homosexuality is still a sin today. Yet, Leviticus also says that it is a sin to have children

that are disobedient, to wear clothes of mingled fibers, to cut your hair or beard, or to touch/eat any sort of shellfish. Matthew says that divorce

is a sin of sexual immortality. Some of these sins are said to be punishable by death (including cursing your mother or father). These are laughable

notions this day in age so why would we view loving someone of the same sex any differently?

I love you both, with all of my heart, and I hope that you both can find it in yourselves to continue to love and support me, even if you don't

approve. I have so many worries rushing though my head and heart right now. I’m terrified of being pushed out of your lives. I’m worried about

hurting or disappointing you. Mostly though, I hope that you will accept me and love me no matter what.

You have told me that you are proud of me and I have grown up to be a good person, daughter, niece, cousin and friend. I hope you still feel this

way. I am the same person as before. Nothing else has changed. This is very hard for me to do, and I hope you will forgive me for not telling you

sooner. Please know that I would never do anything to purposely hurt you, and that I want nothing less than to make you happy and proud. I am

still the exact same person who helps Mom pack her suitcase for trips and who watches and loves the pups while you are out of town. I’m still the

same daughter who painted Dad’s garden rocks and helped when he had his shoulder surgeries. I’m the same Brooke that y’all have always known

and loved.

I am sure you both will have many questions to ask of me; and I assure you, I don't have all or even most of the answers. I understand if you need

some time, I have taken years to come to terms and make peace with this. So, I completely respect if you need some time to think things through.

I love you both so very much.

Love Always,

Brooksie

In response to the critics of Richard Stearns and World Vision

I used to be one too. I used to be a fundamentalist, right wing conservative Christina. Homosexuality was a definite 'no-no'. Divorce nope. Drinking? No thank you.

Then tragedy hit.

When tragedy hit me, I had a choice to make. Run from God, or, lean into Him. I leaned into Him and in the process found something unexpected. See, my tragedy came in the form of divorce. I was married at 21 to the Pastor's daughter and then divorced by 23. My world was wrecked. Christians don't get divorced. It is a sin. It is against God's will and divorce just doesn't happen.

Well it did. During this time of darkness, I sought to understand who God really was, because up to this point in my life, God was a god of rights and wrongs. Do this, and you get this. Don't do this and you get punished. I came to find this view of God to be extremely distorted, not Biblical and toxic. This view of God is what has caused wars, strife and has torn people apart. I was judged for getting divorced. I did not apply to jobs and graduate schools because they would not accept a Christian divorcee. I was crushed.

Yet, in the midst of it, God gave me peace and intimacy. He revealed Himself to me in a way very few get to experience. He showed me that He is a God of mercy, grace, compassion and love - a love that we can never fully grasp or understand.

Yesterday, I opened up Christianitytoday.com and the first article was concerning Richard Stearns and World Vision's choice to include to employ homosexual couples who were in legal, same-sex marriages. This article was about 5 pages long, but I did not even read the first page. I knew what the article was going to be about and honestly I was extremely excited that a major Christian organization was taking this stance. What I did do however, was skip down to read the multitude of comments written by people, all of which were against Stearns' stance. To say that I was appalled would be an understatement. Some of the statements I read consisted of:


'You better start hiring the atheist to preach devilish sermons & worship in the church you attend. And you better do it fast, because they will be lobbying against your organization; real soon.'

'Another sold out organization. Christina gays is an oxymoron. Lukewarm'

'World Vision is now one of the casualties of the compromise with evil that is occurring in our society. They are no longer a source for truth and are not worthy of any kind of support from Bible-Believing Christians.'

'As there is no Christianity, Not believing in Christ, there is no Christianity. Homosexuality. The Bible is clear!! Prayfully!!'


Is this really what Jesus would say to World Vision? Is this what He would say to millions of homosexuals in America? What about the millions of homosexuals who are professing Christians?

In Matthew 9, Jesus calls Matthew, the tax collector, to be His disciple. Immediately, Matthew obliges and begins to follow Jesus. Jesus, so ecstatic with Matthew's acceptance of His invitation to follow Him, (tax collectors had terrible reputations and there was not a much lower career to have. '...the occupation was traitorous enough even when they did not charge excessive fees to line their own pockets.'), that he invites him to dinner along with some other associates. Eating dinner was anything but insignificant in ancient Israel. Dinner was considered to be an intimate experience as can be seen by the translation, 'usually implied an endorsement of the practices of those with whom one associated.' Here, Jesus is not 'endorsing' Matthew and his career. Jesus does not endorse prostitutes and their line of work; He does not endorse women at the well and her having had multiple husbands. No, what Jesus is doing is endorsing them on the basis of their faith in Him. He is endorsing the relationship He has with them. He is endorsing them on the sole fact that He loves them, created them, and would soon sacrifice Himself for them. He is endorsing them because of who He is and for what He has done for them.

Moving on, the Pharisees question who Jesus is having dinner with. How does Jesus respond? By using the Old Testament against them.  'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' This passage is found in Hosea 6:6, a book that has more theological implications about Christ's love for mankind than just about any other. Hosea is told to consistently, compassionately and lovingly pursue his adulterous wife. This is a complete metaphor for Christ's love us.

In this book, God is saying, 'I could care less about your Torah-piety, about your traditions, and about your animal sacrifices. No, I care about your love for me and your mercy, love and compassion for others.' This passage is, 'the application of a fundamental moral principal of the OT that continues throughout the new age that Jesus is inaugurating.' God desired mercy over sacrifice during the time of Moses when He first initiated the sacrificial, covenant system; so how much more mercy does He require of us in a time where Christ has accomplished the ultimate sacrifice?

What does this mean? Well for one, we must stop seeking to place our Bible-piety over love and mercy. We do it every single day. We must stop criticizing organizations that are seeking to show love, mercy, compassion, inclusion and justice in the name of Jesus just because we believe the people they are protecting are living in sin. We would rather be a Pharisee on the outside, pointing the finger at Jesus, when He would be the one inviting gays to dinner and offering them jobs to serve Him. Really??

Lastly, we MUST get to know the gay community. We fear what we do not know. We condemn what we believe to be Biblically wrong; yet, we don't even take the time to get to know these individuals. Do you think you are bringing more homosexuals to Christ by pointing out their sin? I promise you, all you are doing is making it harder for the rest of the Christian world who has to clean up your mess.

When I graduate college my first job was at an inner-city charter school in the northeast side of Denver. I had never really befriended any gay individuals before and so while I toted my Biblical rhetoric around, I still had not really conversed with anyone who identified as homosexual. Yet, as God would have it, about the same time as "my darkness' was occurring, I found myself working alongside many homosexual co-workers. What was I to do? Bang the Bible over their heads? Recommend them to a Christian conversion camp? Be an intolerable co-worker because I fundamentally did not agree with their lifestyle?

Instead, I chose to love. Now I am not saying this to place myself on a pedestal; but more because as I have said, God was simultaneously working on my own heart and revealing His true identity to me. I saw God's grace and mercy like I never had before, and I saw it extend to the lowest in our society, both physically as well as spiritually. I chose to love these co-workers. I got to know them and hear their stories. I heard their horror stories of how the church had rejected and condemned them. My heart broke for them and I genuinely wanted them to know God's undying love for them, whether they were straight, gay bi-sexual, transgender, whatever. I wanted them to know that God's love extended past what anyone said or did.

One of my co-workers who was gay had a dad who was a pastor. I could not believe it. I was shocked and obviously my first question was "How does your dad feel?" My co-worker shared that at first, her father was confused, unforgiving and hateful. As time passed however, hew grew to continue to love and encourage his daughter as Christ would. He encouraged her to continue to seek Christ in the midst of her sexuality, and wherever He took her, well that was between them.

I have worked at two schools now, both inner-city, both working with extremely difficult students who come from difficult situations. Many of our students come from gang infested neighborhoods and homes. It matters where you live, the colors your wear and what hood you 'rep'. On the other hand, some come from struggling Christian families that are as devout as they come. Regardless of many of these students or their backgrounds, I have been able to witness some incredible things taking place. I have been able to see students who are so hard on the exterior, extend a hand of love and compassion to homosexual teachers and students. I have seen hardened gang members grow even more protective of their family member who is a homosexual man. I have seen devout, African-American Christian students show nothing but love and mercy to their gay peers and educators. Why is it that the church seeks to shoot the wounded more than any other organization or institution in the world?? Why can't the church adopt this model of love and compassion that these students have exhibited?

As I write this, I am almost trembling for a couple of different reasons. One, I am afraid. I am afraid of how many Christian peers will react. I am afraid of how people I look up to, who have mentored me, who have guided me, will perceive this. I am afraid how the overall Christian community will slander this, cite scripture after scripture and will pass over Jesus' most important words of 'Do not judge,' 'Love the Lord and your neighbor as yourself.

Secondly, I am trembling out of anger. I am fuming. I am so angry because I must apologize to some family members and close friends who are homosexual because they have to deal with the daily and constant barrage of hate, bigotry and slander from Christian Americans. I am angry because we have become a church that has created a hierarchical establishment of sin. We view homosexuality, abortion, premarital sex, debauchery, adultery, murder and many other sins as much worse than our lies, lusts, greed, envies and most of all our JUDGEMENT.

I get sad when I look into a kid's eyes in the juvenile detention center where I am Associate Chaplain and know they don't believe that God can forgive them for all the wrong they have done. I get sad when homosexuals believe that God truly hates them for who they believe they are. This is a product of the "God" we have created. A 'blessings' and 'cursing' type of God. This is wrong. Once again, this is not Biblical.

Honestly, after all of these words I have written, I don't know where I stand on the issue of homosexuality. I have heard profound theological arguments on both sides from people much smarter than me. I just don't know. I know that Jesus does not talk about homosexuality once, but He sure does talk about loving Him and everyone around us quite a bit. I even asked my wife last night, 'Do we have it wrong? Are we viewing this issue of homosexuality wrong?' She responded with, 'I choose to believe that God is a god of love. He loves people where they are at and anything that proposes something different is not from God.' Thus, I am choosing to respond as she has. As Philip Yancey has said regarding his long time friend that is homosexual, 'Even if I conclude that all homosexual behavior is wrong, as many conservative Christians do, I am still compelled to respond with love.' And as Pope Francis has said, 'Who am I to judge?' I am asking all of your who read this to do the same.

My hope in all of this is for the Christian to not just be 'accepting'. As any individual, we don't just want to be accepted, we want to feel loved and welcomed. Same goes for homosexuals. It is not enough to just accept them, but to love them as they are in the midst of everything. My hope is that the Christian community will cease in taking up arms against this debate over same-sex marriage, over who to employ and who not to employ, who should be in our churches and should not; and rather take up arms about much graver issues like helping the poor, the disenfranchised, the imprisoned, the widowed, the orphaned, the outcast. I want to see the Christian community get passionate about these issues.... One day, I hope we get there.

Preston

As Day of Silence approaches, I have been thinking a lot about voice and the power that comes with it. Day of Silence honors those voices that were closeted or silenced and ignored and forgotten.

Over the past year I have been given the gift of being reminded of the importance of my voice and encouraged never give into silence. The eternal optimist, I automatically believe in the innate good in everyone, despite the actual reality that may be presented to me. Throughout this past year, I have been using my voice more than I have in my life. I have been speaking my truth even against the advice of others. I have experienced first hand and by observation that this society does not value or appreciate the 'whistle blower' and because of this, many people choose to stay silent because of potential repercussions.

There is something that seems greater than myself that has been driving my voice. Not to forsake responsibility but I do not seem to know how to stay silent. Since before I can remember, I have always championed the underdog and my mother has reflected many times that at an early age I possessed more empathy than was possibly healthy for a child. Justice, fairness and equality, in my humble opinion, should be automatic givens. To everyone. Everywhere. If I feel that people are not being treated equally, I cannot seem to stay quiet.

My voice has gotten me into trouble many times. From losing friends to almost losing jobs, the repeated message that has been relayed to me both directly and indirectly is that I should keep my mouth shut. Not only have I received this message externally, but internally many times I have told myself this as well. Because of the push-back and judgement that I have received from speaking my truth, I have grown tired. Tired of being the 'whistler blower' and especially tired of whistle blowing by myself. Now I know that I cannot pressure anyone else to speak up and out and I cannot put my expectations on anyone else, but I have often desired for someone else to either speak our first or to join me in my speech. Rarely have I felt the pleasure of other company.

A gift that I have been given this past year, for which I am overly thankful, is to have worked alongside a woman who also speaks her truth and possibly louder than I if that's possible. When I have felt cynical, pessimistic and tired, she has reminded me that my voice is a gift that should be given. Not that my job is to proselytize or convert, but rather to inform. More importantly, my voice is my gift to my self and I should never deprive myself of that.

This co teacher has reminded me that from truth can come change and this world constantly needs change. Through change we can only better ourselves, others, society and the world. My colleague has reminded me of the power and privilege of having my voice and the gift that can result.

I have often felt frustrated that I have had to educate and eradicate ignorance by constantly retelling my story. I have taken it upon myself in my life to educate myself no matter the circumstance and never have I done so at the expense of another person. My frustration lies in the fact that it seems as though so many do not educate themselves willingly and when they do it is at the expense of others. Be this as it may, my co teacher has reminded me that this cross that I bear is more than a gift than a cross.

Another surprise reminder that was given to me this week was a hand made rainbow poster with the quote 'hope will never be silent' by Harvey Milk from one of my straight students. Of course this gift was given to me when I needed it most. When I was at my most tired and when I was ready to give up this student surprised me with a truly touching gift for no apparent reason at all.

Because Day of Silence is coming, when so many have been silenced, when so many sacrificed their health, well being and lives so that they (and ultimately me) could have a voice? Why would I do that to myself? Why would I give into those that want me silenced and want my voice quieted? Do I not have an obligation to speak my truth? To educate? To make change?

A voice honors oneself and those that have come before and fought for that voice. Your voice is a gift.

Mia