Pride Month: For Families, Too

Pride month kicked off with me dropping my child and a friend at their first pride event last Saturday. Since then, social media has been full of articles and videos celebrating Pride and it’s been beautiful. That being said, this video brought me to tears.

This video was powerful to me because it acknowledged my feelings as a parent in a way that wasn’t hateful, but full of empathy. It told me that my initial reaction...fear...denial...confusion…..was normal. It told me that I wasn’t alone. It presented to me the possibility that others would accept what I’m coming to accept. There are others walking my path and we aren’t doing it perfectly, but that doesn’t mean we can’t come to terms and accept and love our children for exactly who they are.

Love calls back is powerful because it means that our first reaction isn’t our final reaction.

You see, our family members aren’t the only ones on a journey.

What I’ve learned on my journey:

• I have to grieve what I thought was to be that was never going to be and that’s okay. In fact, it’s normal.
• I’ve come to accept that my identity isn’t wrapped up in my kid’s identity. They don’t deserve that pressure.
• My fears are real because the truth is that not everyone will be accepting. And while I can’t control others, I can be that safe place.
• I have to be honest with my struggles because the only way through the fear of the unknown is to seek support. I yearn for the day when I’m on the other side of all of this and I can be the support another mother needs.
• My husband proved once again that he is the man I thought he was when I married him. He accepts it all and just wants our kids to be happy. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t have questions, but he just accepts it and moves on. This is when I wish I was more logical and less emotional.

At the end of the day, my journey is nothing compared to those who are coming out. You see.….It isn’t about me.

It’s scary... it can be painful...and I worry all the time.

But, It’s not about me.

That being said, it sure is helpful to see other families who are examples of who I aspire to be. It’s been an unexpected blessing to see that Pride month is for families, too.