The Same Fight that Lead People to Walk-Outs and Sit-Ins

You can barf now Becca

I am happy that I am with Kevin, check that, I am ecstatic that I get to date Kevin.  I have never been full of this much joy.  I worked hard for the happiness, I earned it.  Despite that fact that I have never been happier, it doesn't mean I don't have sad times.  I want to share some sad times and frustrations.  Remember how I'm good at that.

Kevin and I have had hateful words directed toward us.  We ignore the offenders. We have been sensitive to other people who are uncomfortable with our relationship and limiting our PDA to be non existant in some cases.  We love each other and we want to do the same, appropriate PDA other couples do with out the negative effects.  However that is not the world we live in.

I am frustrated with apologizing for my happiness.  I shouldn't have to defend my happiness because someone seeing my relationship as a sin.  I am tired of dismissing the hurtful words directed at me personally and at my fellow LGBT community.  I am tired of being denied validation for my personal definition of happiness.  I am tired of contemplating if I'll come out to someone at work by simply having a conversation about my weekend. I am tired of hearing people use the word gay as a synonym for stupid.

Today at work during the anti discrimination training I was reminded of progress that needs to be made.  I heard the word gay used negatively, as a slur, among other language expressing discrimination toward the G of the LGBT.  I would like to point out that this occurred during a briefing about how an employee is protected from discrimination.

I love Kevin, I enjoy his company and especially his love.  Surprisingly enough I love kissing him as well, holding his hand walking to Harmon's to get gelato.  I love being my authentic self.  Now that I know more of who I am and accept that, I just want to pursue my happiness just like every other American.  I want to share my joy of being in love for the first time.  I'm in love for the first time at 29, I may be late to the game but I am here. I deserve to participate equally.