coming out 18 years ago made my shoulders lighter. it removed a burden to perform based on perception or expectation to a society sometimes committed to misunderstand me. coming out merely coaxed me to accept people at the crossroads of their ignorance and insecurity. and today (or no day) is it my responsibility to educate someone on how to love me back, but instead show them how i choose to effortlessly exist in freedom. and i give myself grace knowing that can be enough. if my life just so happens to move a stranger to think and live differently, that’s great. if not, i draw breath and exhale regardless. ☁️ #nationalcomingoutday #queer