Unapologetic: A Write-Up

From extreme political views to a pandemic. From racism to violence. In this last one year, so much has happened that will forever be a part of our history. It's time to finally come together, and learn from these events. It's time to stand up for what is right.

The 28th of June, 2020 -it will mark 50 years since the New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, setting off a series of protests by the city’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community that proved to be a vital catalyst in the movement against discrimination. Thirty years later, the month of June went on to be designated as the 'Pride month,' inspiring the community across the globe to come out and stand up for themselves, unapologetically.

In the words of Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay Senator in the United States, “There will not be a magic day when we'll wake up and it’ll be okay to express ourselves publicly. We will have to make that day by doing things publicly until it’s simply the way things are.” Tammy states that the only way to normalize non-heterosexual orientations is for the queer community to act like they are normal, because they are.

They are human beings -as complex and unique as you and I. And just like us, they have dreams, goals, and passions that are much more central to their identities than the gender that they are attracted to. And all of us -we need to realise this and accept it. We need to let go of the prejudices and the stereotypes, and start seeing LGBT+ people as people, and not some sort of mysterious aberrations. We need to respect their humanity.

And to all of the LGBT+ people, you are not alone in this, and you won't ever be. Whatever sexuality you identify yourself as, whether you are out or closeted, know that there are thousands and millions of people that admire you for your strength. People that love you, people that support you, people that would do anything for you and your happiness.

Remember always -you are important and you are valued, and you are accepted, and you are loved. You deserve to be happy exactly the way you are. Don't ever change a thing about yourself, about your personality, about your preferences -not for anything else and not for anyone else. Because that is who you are. And being yourself is never wrong. Be genuinely proud of who you are, and what you feel. Don't ever let anyone put you down, or make you feel differently about yourself. Your sexual orientation or your gender identity is no one's business but your own. No one, I repeat, NO ONE in this whole wide world gets to decide or dictate how and in what way you live your life.

Now when it comes to love, I'm afraid, I just cannot stress it enough -the fact that one's emotions, one's feelings can never be invalid because of the gender of the object of their love. In his iconic novel, 'Giovanni’s Room,' gay author, James Baldwin wrote, “Love him and let him love you. Do you think anything else under heaven really matters?” With these words, he made a very powerful statement, that when two people care for each other and have love in their hearts, nothing should ever stand in their way. Sex and gender -they shouldn't matter because love knows no sex, and love knows no gender. Love is love, and it cannot ever be wrong.

(Also, I haven't, until now, typed it,) A very very Happy Pride Month to all of you -those who have already come out, those who are planning to, and even those who are still trying to come to terms with their sexuality. I am proud of you. And so are millions and millions of other people. And it is not just this month -every single month, of every single year is yours to celebrate. Be who you are and love who you want. Because you, as much as any other person on Planet Earth, deserve it.

Ellen Degeneres, she once said, "Find out who you are and be that person. That's what your soul was put on this Earth to be. Find that truth, live that truth and everything else will come." This is what I want you to always remember. Find your truth, and accept your truth. Accept yourself, and respect yourself. Stand tall, and stay strong. Know what you deserve and don't ever settle for anything less.

Strength and power to all of you beautiful angels out there.

Sending love and light <3

P.S. To whosoever that's reading this, if ever, you're going through a not-so-good time, and you need someone to talk to, I'll be there for you. Feel free to contact me -anytime, anyday. I'd be more than happy to help :)