Beautifully expressed, thanks!

You know, sometimes people ask, "Why do you queer folks have to shove it in our faces so often?"

I think that sort of question is usually disingenuous, but there are real answers to why many LGBTQ people choose to live out and proud.

One of those answers is that many of us (like you and I) grew up with such an instinct to hide and mask up, to think of ourselves as shameful, that positive change and good health require a little public celebration, even in daily micro doses, sometimes.

Thanks for the illuminating story!