I’ll be honest: this Pride month was a tough one. A lot of us, including me, are exhausted. But I don’t feel hopeless, because I know that my queer ancestors have been through much worse. Our history, despite the ubiquity of darkness, ultimately gives me hope. Some folks have asked me to share my short speech from the Book of Queer premiere, and I’m happy to post it here. I hope it provides some comfort to anyone who could use a written hug. To anyone who helped make BOQ possible, and to anyone who has recently shared their love or time with me in other ways, thank you. For the next week or so, I’ll be taking a break from social media to get some much-needed quality time with my loved ones! I hope some of you are able to do the same, because rest allows us to resist. I love you all, and see you later this month. xo Eric (Bird sources: Mary Bates, “Why Do Birds Sing in the Morning?” WIRED, 3/17/14; Jeff Goins, Twitter, 5/13/19.)