The most courageous choice
Choosing to accept yourself
It is June and Pride Month everywhere. Flags are flying, arguments are breaking out, and a fight for freedom for LGBTIA+ is underway everywhere. For me, I am reflecting on a conversation I had last summer.
I was trying to make a statement supporting LGBTIA+, but the other person in the discussion kept getting caught up on the word “choice”. Their argument was that being LGBTIA+ wasn’t a choice.
I will 100% agree with that, biology is not a choice. But today, when I use the term “choice,” I am referring to a different context. The choice to accept yourself for who you are, to be courageous enough to share your true self with others, and maybe - just maybe - inspire someone else to make that choice.
Making the choice to be proud of yourself, no matter what your identified gender, sexual orientation, personal expression, or other, can be hard - and in some cases fatal. To me, the courage to make that choice is one of the most courageous choices a person can make. In our country and many countries around the world, that choice is especially hard. People who choose to live in alignment with their soul open themselves to ridicule, hate, being a target, and, in many cases, discrimination at work, in housing, and even in daily life.
But I am proud, so proud, of the many who have made that choice to speak out, live in alignment with their true selves, and push back against the hate. And to those who haven’t yet made that choice - or who may never feel able to make that choice - I offer my heartfelt understanding and support. Nothing in this world is black and white, and only you can make the choice that is best for you in your personal circumstances. But no matter what, know that you are loved.