Thanks, folks--

The Trevor Project and other public acts of witness and solidarity are absolutely vital--not only for the young people who consider the pain of difference and rejection too hard to bear, but also for those of us who, as seasoned adults, still struggle with the same issues.

Don't misunderstand--I'm not planning any self-harm here--it's just that it's hard to smile and be strong all the time, to say, "we can endure" when you hear message after message of misunderstanding, ignorance, bigotry and hate. In my state, I have already ridden the roller-coaster of hope and despair too many times: I watched the legislature vote to approve marriage equality, then watched out-of-state funders hijack our legislative process to get it repealed. Now it's almost Election Day and our probable next governor is spewing anti-gay messages to build up his tea-party fan base. The prospect of a legally-recognized marriage for my partner and I is fading rapidly away, and it's heartbreaking.

So, folks--keep telling us it gets better. And keep standing with us, working with us, listening to our stories, and seeking justice. Because sometimes, even us "grown-ups" who are different get discouraged.

Thanks.

--Cuilionn