What I’ve learned about being gay

that I will teach my children about being black.

• Never assume you are not welcome somewhere before assuming that you are.  Give people an opportunity to surprise you.  Give then an opportunity to surprise themselves.
• You count.  Your vote counts, your presence counts, your dollar counts.  Don’t support something you don’t support.  Don’t like something? Change it.
• Your difference is the greatest gift you’ve ever been given, even on the days it will feel like your curse.
• If people hate you, its only because they don’t know you.
• Your best angle is with your chin up.  Your smile is most radiant when it isn’t hiding a thing.
• The best way to combat stereotypes is to defy them.  The best way to combat discrimination is to live your life well.  Never let hate disturb your grace.