To every single person in the LGBTQIA+ Community,
I’d like to say that I’m sorry.
I’m sorry that you have to live in a world where people don’t accept you for you who are. I wish they would at least try to understand instead of using fear or religion as ways of preventing themselves from knowing you.
I’m sorry that people believe that your very existence is a sin against their God, and I’m sorry if that’s your God too. I hope what they say is wrong and that He loves you no matter what.
I’m sorry that for any length of time in your life you felt like you couldn’t be who you truly are out of fear of those around you, especially those who love you. I’m sorry if you ever feared for your safety from those who loved you most. I’m sorry if you worried that they would ask you to leave and never come back, and I’m sorry if they actually did make you leave. No one deserves to be homeless for something they cannot control.
I’m sorry if you were bullied at school, if you were called horrible names and made to feel like less than a person. You are just as important, just as special, just as loved as every other soul on this earth, and I wish more people would believe that too.
I’m sorry that you hear stories like Matthew Shepard’s and Brandi Blesdoe’s and that they make you fear for your lives. Sure, they may rest in power—I hope beyond hope that they do—but that doesn’t make you feel safe, does it?
I’m sorry if you ever felt like Leelah Alcorn, a beautiful girl who felt the only way to free herself was through death. You don’t deserve to die; you deserve to live, to be yourself without any reservations.
I’m sorry that the people who commit these atrocities against you do not feel the need to apologize and that I feel like I have to do it for them.
I’m sorry that there is still a long way to go before you are fully accepted in this country, that it has taken blood, sweat, and tears to even get to where we are now.
Finally, I’m sorry if any part of this letter is inaccurate. As someone who tries to protect you and understand you but is not truly immersed in your community, I realize that I will never fully comprehend what it’s like to be you. I’m sorry if I ever do or say anything that hurts you, as that is not my intention. I want to learn about you, not make you feel more isolated. Please correct me. I’d rather apologize than ever make that mistake again.
Sincerely,
Someone Who Is On Your Side