Everyone wants the freedom to live authentically, to be themselves, to be who they in their heart and soul is for real. People get only one shot at this life and they should be able to make the most of it. For so many there is fear of disappointing those in their lives who might not understand who they really are.

So many in so many places there are people who desire to have a chance to express who they are without reservations or reprisals from others. Issues of gender, sexuality and love are fluid these days. Stereotypes are being broken down and people are learning what it is to embrace their interests even those who don’t fit traditional roles.

There are people in small places who live in sadness and fear because they don’t love in the same way their parents did. Coming out is a dangerous proposition because not everyone understands what it is to be a LGBTQ person. All they want to do is to exist in a place and space where they are loved and understood. Unfortunately many of them suffer the cruelty of people who find their way of life as evil, sinful, despicable, immoral as they understand it from a lack of understanding and grace. Many LGBTQ people have faced serious hate that they have taken their own lives to escape the pain they have endured from others who don’t want to understand them.

As people are celebrating National Coming Out Day today they are sharing their stories and joining in community with others who are just like them. As a heterosexual man I support those people who just want to be themselves. Gay people should just be allowed to be people openly and freely without fear. Things are getting better for them but there is still a long way to go. I am proud to be friends with a wide spectrum of people and some who embrace the rainbow that connects them to a community of love who just want to live in harmony with others. There is nothing wrong with these wonderful people. Without them much of our world would not be the same. Histoy chronicles many gay people who have done amazing things to make the world a better place.

My friends I support the LGBTQ folks in my life. If I could have more friends like them I would welcome that with open arms. There is still much I want to know about their lives. All I know is that they too are made in the image of God and they are special and unique creations placed here for a purpose. Love is love. Equality forever.