I know / it always / I know it doesn’t always / feel safe / to live out / who you are, / but here’s the thing / though, / I would have not / chosen / a different road. // Priceless lessons / have been learned. // The path of discovery / has made me, / has tested me / and forever / changed me. // You don’t get / to choose / your family, / but / you can choose / your tribe. // Many / of the people / I admire / and trust, / and work with / belong / to the LGBTQ community. // And without them, / I’d be half / of the person / I am today. // My life / is rich / in every capacity / because of them. // They are / trusted allies / that provide a safe space / to fall, / to not / know it all / and to make / mistakes. // These are the people / I hold dear. // See, / I hope / I stand here / as real evidence / for all / that no matter / where you came from, / it’s about / where you are / going / and that / real change, / real evolution / and real perception / shift / can happen / if we open / our minds / and soften / our hearts. // People can / change. // Believe me, / it would have been / easier / just to stay the / whipped cream, / tit spring, / poppy light, / fluffy fun, / anthems / by the way of / animal totem / singing girl / who was basically / somewhat / neutralist in a stance / and just thought / more hugs / could save / the world. // No way. // No longer / can I sit / in silence. // I / have to stand / for what I know / is true / and that is / equality / and justice / for all, / period. //