One year ago today, I wrote a Facebook post that would lead me to come out to my extended family members and few friends who hadn't known yet. To say the least, this year hasn't gone the way I have wanted it to and the amount of which I have endured is absolutely unbelievable. I have been crushed, I have been left in the dark, and taken advantage of. I'll be more than happy to talk about it when if/when I write a book. The broad idea of being freer, however, has been one of the biggest silver linings of this year. Coming out to the rest of the world has allowed me to be able to openly advocate for and support the LGBTQIA+ community. Hell, a month later, I went to my first pride parade.

There were people who urged me not to do it, but I was not satisfied with further concealing my true identity. I knew I was not going to pretend like I am going to get a girlfriend out of the middle of nowhere. I was tired and exhausted. At every family reunion, the question regarding having a girlfriend would always come up, more often than any other question remarkably. I wanted to have the ability to date and get to know other people. I had spent an enormous amount of time pleasing others and this vision of what they wanted to see from me. Time was up.

I have been lucky to live in a time where we have more rights and representation than ever. Much of the opposition comes from religious groups of people who don't walk the walk. For some, sex before marriage is okay. For some, divorce is okay. For some, abortion is okay. The kicker is when those same people choose to believe same sex relationships are not okay. I have been lucky enough to find religion and faith in my life. I believe in god and I believe in the love he has for everyone. It is your character alone which will determine your final destination.

Your life is yours to live, and not for others to live for you. You will face opposition and hostility even in the present day. Those around us can only guide us in the direction they feel is right for us. The world can be a hostile place, but it can also be loving and welcoming. Pride parades were supposed to take place next month, and obviously the ongoing pandemic has changed the game. It's disappointing, but it's not the end of the world. The last year has been nothing but unprecedented. Keep in mind though, everyday is a new opportunity to be you and be happy. Now could be your time.

Resilience is key.