There are 2 stops on the Leaning Into Touch tour today and one tomorrow. Today, come on by Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews and The Blogger Girls for a couple of exclusive interviews. Tomorrow, I’ll be at Joyfully Jay’s with an exclusive excerpt from Josh and Finn’s story.
I’m on my way to the UPS store with nine boxes to ship to Denver for GRL. I know… WTF?? On the bright side, GRL is next week! Woohoo! Who’s going? Please be sure to come say hello if you’ll be there. I’m doing a reading on Friday afternoon and I’ve yet to decide which book to read from. Ideas?
And last but not definitely not least, Happy National Coming Out Day! I reposted the piece I wrote last year on Facebook, but I’ll leave it here too.
Happy Reading! Lane xo
**National Coming Out Day is a special day. I know not every closeted LGBTQ person feels safe or ready to come out, but when you are, it’s important to know there is a beautiful world waiting for you with some amazing people just like yourselves. As the mother of a young gay man, the day he came out to me four years ago is one I will never forget. It wasn’t a celebration for him. It wasn’t something he was excited to do. In fact, he pulled me into a small office (small as a closet) and in a very shaky voice told me he had something to say. But he couldn’t say it right away. I took a few minutes…maybe longer.
I remember wondering if I should tell him I already knew (or at least had an idea) then worrying it wasn’t my place to speak. These were his words and they had to be spoken in his voice. I won’t say the clouds parted and sweet angelic voices sang Diana Ross’s “I’m Coming Out” the moment he said, “I’m gay”, but it was a beginning. He knew right from the start of his journey that he had love, acceptance and hope in his corner. The tougher part was learning to accept himself.
The journey of self-discovery is not unique to anyone no matter what your sexuality is. But doubt, self-loathing and fear should be left behind. My hope for my son, who is now 22, is that he learns to embrace every aspect of himself. He is not defined by who he loves but rather by his ability to love. I am a proud LGBT mom. This rainbow is a beautiful place. To those who’ve chosen to step out today…welcome. You are not alone.
Thank you for sharing that with us!! ;-)Hopefully since your son has come out to you he feels more confident with his family and friends.
Thank you, Tammy. He definitely has gained confidence but it’s a process and everyone moves at their own pace. I’m happy he’s more comfortable in his own skin than ever and that he continues to grow. <3