When I was younger than I can remember, I recall being attracted to men and women. When I was a teen I came out as bisexual and was told it was just a phase. I had legitimate crushes on women, not just girl crushes, and was told it was a phase. I had my first girlfriend in high school and was still told it was a phase. I hooked up with women, not just drunk at parties, and was told it was a phase. I’ve had men “jokingly” tell me not to hit on their gf’s who were friends of mine... as being bisexual meant I just HAD to sleep with my friends that were women. I’ve had people make me feel selfish for being attractive to both male and female and that I had to “just pick one and stick with it”. Being told that something you are deeply feeling is brushed off as a phase was painful. I felt like I was never taken seriously when I was the one experiencing what I was going through and to have someone from the outside tell me how I FELT was cruel. . A few years ago I came out as pansexual & guess what... it’s not a phase. I married a straight man... still not a phase. If we choose to had a child... I am still pansexual and it’s NOT A PHASE. . They say our generation is too emotional and soft- I say we are compassionate and have empathy to those around us. Having support... is Crucial. Being you’re true self is crucial. Having a place to feel comfortable and accepted is a must. And I’m so proud of the town I live in and the shop I work in for being that safe place for some many. Growing up being told I was a phase pushed me outwards more to support the LGBTQ+ community even HARDER. I will FOREVER fight for the rights of my community. For people to love who they love. To be who they are in that exact moment of time and know that I’m right here to support it. Happy Pride Month- remember- the first pride was a riot ✊🏻🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️