“I believe that the fusion of creativity and memory can create a kind of practical magic, and sometimes, magic can be perilous.” – Inspired by Stephen King
Since childhood, I’ve dreamt of crafting words that resonate, much like those of legendary writers. I first stumbled into the world of Stephen King at age 10, and I’ve been captivated ever since. King’s tales often depict individuals grappling with terrifying monsters, both seen and unseen. He urged me to confront my own humanity and examine the darker sides of our existence. Now, as an adult, I find myself returning to storytelling to process the strange reality we find ourselves in today.
I never imagined a time would come when I’d be pleading with my neighbors to stand by me. The thought that fear could seep into the bedtime rituals with my son, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth, was something I didn’t foresee. I certainly didn’t think that just eight days could erase the progress of eight years.
But I was mistaken. The narrative I have to share isn’t grand or fantastical, nor does it involve monsters lurking in shadows. Instead, it’s a story about perspective. I hope that by sharing it with fellow parents and their children, you might listen just one more time.
I understand that no matter where I publish my thoughts, they might be dismissed as “fake news” or seen as biased. It’s part of the writer’s journey; the value of my words can fluctuate based on their platform. I’ve experienced my own form of rebellion through writing, and while I’m proud of my contributions to discussions about empowerment and education, I know that the current state of affairs is unprecedented.
The roles of hero and villain can shift depending on one’s viewpoint. We see both celebration and despair in today’s political landscape, and each emotion carries the same weight based on who is holding the scale. However, I can’t recall a time in my 30 years where the stakes felt as high as they do now. Listening to the experiences of those older and wiser than I am reveals just how different things have become.
I can’t move forward without your support.
I have a husband and a son. Asking you to contemplate the anguish you’d experience if your family was threatened barely scratches the surface of my reality. I realize that our experiences are distinct, and while you may not grasp my feelings, I must place my trust in the shared pain that many endure. I can’t truly understand what it’s like to be a refugee separated from loved ones, but that compels me to listen to those who do. I must commit to learning and understanding.
Similarly, I can’t ease the suffering of those whose lives have been ravaged by economic turmoil. Families struggling for jobs that never seem to appear share the same hope as mine: to leave a better world for their children. The sun shines equally on our hard work, regardless of whether we’re on the coasts or in the heartland; our shared humanity doesn’t change that reality.
I don’t have to experience it to comprehend it; I just need to listen. Unfortunately, many have forgotten the importance of listening. Perspective matters.
Today, people like me are often labeled as “snowflakes,” portrayed as fragile and self-important. Yet, we live in a world where impersonal attacks can devastate lives in mere seconds, leaving young people feeling hopeless.
So please, listen to me. This snowflake isn’t melting; it’s becoming more resolute.
It’s illogical to believe that banning a religion will guarantee safety. Such actions contradict the very principles of our nation, as exemplified by Lady Liberty herself.
As an atheist, I still find myself hoping for a return to compassion. The stories from ancient texts reflect the importance of welcoming those in need, and if Stephen King isn’t your style, perhaps there’s a timeless lesson in the scriptures that you’ve overlooked.
Do not celebrate the preservation of protections established by the previous administration for LGBTQ+ individuals. The credit for such progress belongs to those who listened—people like President Obama.
Maintaining these protections does not negate the fact that our current president has promised to support legislation that could allow discrimination against families like mine. His commitment to the First Amendment Defense Act could legitimize turning us away from businesses simply because of who we love.
When friends assured me that my family wouldn’t be targeted, I smiled and nodded, but deep down, I knew the truth. There’s no satisfaction in being proven right in this situation, and I don’t need your apologies—I need your action.
I need you to stand up. I need you to resist. I need you to embody the spirit of America.
My family is as valuable to me as yours is to you. The love shared between parents and children transcends any differences.
The actions and rhetoric of this president are unprecedented. It’s not normal to exclude Jews from Holocaust remembrances or to ban refugees from nations where he has no business interests—that’s not just abnormal; it’s unethical.
Elevating individuals who embody the worst aspects of humanity to positions of power is not merely a political issue; it’s a failure of our collective compassion.
What we are experiencing now transcends political divides. We are better than tribalism; it’s imperative that we teach our children to listen.
If we can be villains, we can also be heroes. Perhaps the story we need to write together is one of collective strength against an enemy of our own making.
March. Resist. Believe. Love. I stand with you, with my husband and son. This may not be my president, but this is still my America.
And when this chapter closes, I’ll still turn to stories that inspire and resonate far beyond my own. As J.K. Rowling wisely said, “We do not need magic to change the world; we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”
For more insights and resources on family planning, check out this excellent resource on artificial insemination and learn more about home insemination kits from Make a Mom.
In summary, as a gay parent, I face unique challenges in today’s political climate that threaten my family’s safety and dignity. We must unite to protect the rights and safety of all families, listen to one another, and advocate for compassion and understanding in our communities.