Change is hard, why should we bother?

What do we miss if we’re not willing to evolve?

I almost missed out on love. I can’t talk about inclusion and belonging unless I’m willing to be honest about how hard it was for me to embrace my whole self. I spent years convincing myself that I wasn’t gay. I’d had a hard enough time growing up and being taunted for being an “Oreo” (black on the outside, white on the inside), why would I add gayness to my stack of difference? Thankfully, I evolved with the help of my village. People who helped me see that to struggle against who I was would be to waste the precious energy needed to achieve my hopes and dreams. Our wedding took place a day after the Supreme Court’s marriage equality decision, thanks to legions who stood up and said love is love. You will not erase us. Our ceremony took place at Princeton University, a school I would not have been able to attend without the brave children who integrated schools across the United States. You will not hold us back. Without the many battles fought for freedom, I would not be here as an openly gay, black female. There is more ground to cover. I’m so glad that I’m not wasting energy hiding who I am, or who I love. I hope this share helps others know they are not alone.