Courage is the most important of all the goodnesses in this world - we can be kind, generous, and supportive of those different from us, but it takes courage to do so publicly and stand for the voiceless in our communities. Some members of the LGBTQ+ feel they are not influential people, that they can't impact the world around them, and that the universe is uncaring, cold, or not to be trusted. They are voiceless. When I was in High School, a teacher kicked me out of class after another student said I was gay. The Principal told me school wasn't for everyone and I should make another plan. When I was 20-21, my boss tossed her lunch. "I lost my appetite" and wrote me up, pressuring me to quit after finding out I was gay. Separating myself from the voices telling me no was a daily struggle. I make a conscious effort to take nothing for granted and give my life 100%. I live, work, and love harder than anyone else in the room, and well... I'm gay 🌈