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jennaanne01:

I remember the first time I looked at a girl and felt fire in my heart and a lump in my throat.
I remember trying to convince myself that feeling wasn’t real.
I remember being scared imagining my family’s face when they found out that I liked someone of the same sex.
I remember hiding under my comforter in the middle of the night texting my very first girlfriend.
I remember the first time a girl kissed me, and even though I was shaking, it felt like all my favorite things collected in one singular sweet moment.
I remember waking up every day filled with guilt because I thought I was broken.
I remember telling myself I was better off being someone different.
I remember the unhappiness I felt because I couldn’t be myself.
I remember grabbing pictures off of my wall because I felt that no place could protect me from rejection.
I remember walking around school wishing that my sexuality didn’t make me a spectacle.
I remember searching online for an LGBTQ film or TV show wishing I had something to relate to.
I remember imagining what it would be like to have friends like the characters on The L Word.
I remember receiving comfort whenever my parents would laugh at Ellen’s jokes.
I remember the fear I felt every time I came out.
I remember when I realized that being who I am brought me joy that I hadn’t known was fathomable.
I remember when the puzzle pieces of my heart started to fit together.
I remember connecting with beautiful hearts all over the world through social media.
I remember when I learned those who didn’t agree with my choices were entitled to their own opinions just as much as I was.
I remember the first time I felt pride.
I remember finally feeling like I wasn’t halved.
I remember each girl that graced my life.
I remember when I realized there were many different forms of love.  
I remember when I stopped seeing gay as a label.
I remember becoming stronger.
I remember watching society grow stronger too.
But most of all, I remember dreaming of a world where everyone was equal, and hating that it was a fantasy in my head.

We are one step closer to making that fantasy a reality.
I will remember today not only as the day I felt pride in my country, but as the day I felt my country take pride in me.