A/N: When I found the quotes written below, there wasn't a name assigned to them. If you find the names, please message Queenie. Thank you!

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Hi, Loves! My name is Celeste, but you can call me Ellie.

LGBTQIAP+ is an openly, commonly, discussed topic. For some, it's also a sensitive subject. What is the first word, or the first thought that comes to mind when you hear the words “Gay Pride”?

How about the words Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer, Transgender, Intersex, Asexual, and pansexual? Or maybe anything related to pride, for that matter. For me, a few quotes come to mind:

“Being gay is like being left handed. Some people are, most people aren’t and nobody really knows why. It’s not right or wrong, it’s just the way things are!”

Then:

“My gay friend just admitted his love for me and he thinks I hate him. I’m about to show up at his house with flowers, pizza and video games.”

And my favorite:

“Some people are gay. Get over it!”

Homophobia is real. So is discrimination. It happens in school, on the streets, in the workplace, and probably every place you can think of. When people don't agree with your beliefs or who you are, they tend to defend what they believe in.

Sometimes, you're able to walk away from the situation. Then, sometimes, people's defense can turn into violence. Remember the Orlando Nightclub Shooting in 2016? A security guard murdered fourty nine people while wounding fifty three. The man's name was Omar Mateen.

Why did he do it? He became angry when he witnessed two men kiss in Miami recently. So, what does that tell you?

Some people will defend themselves in order to prove that being in the LGBTQIAP+ Community is wrong. They'll push their religious views on you, or impose their personal opinions on your everyday life.

When I tried coming out to my dad, he didn't believe me. He told me, and I quote, “I know deep down you're not.”

So, why am I here? To help and stand with the people who have went through hell because of their sexuality. You're not alone.

Pride is beautiful. When we work together for gay rights and fight against discrimination, we're even stronger that way.

Now, to take away the bad vibes that you may be feeling, I have a few quotes and inspiring coming out stories.

“My cousins gay, I always tell him that in our family tree, he's in the fruit section.”   -- Rodney Dangerfield

“When I overhear someone say ‘That’s f***ing gay,’ I grab him enthusiastically by the shoulders, grin and say, ‘Yes! I love it, too!’ in a flirty voice.”  – Adam Lambert

“I like my men like I like my coffee. I don’t drink coffee.” – Ellen DeGeneres

“In 2017, Matthew Christian filmed himself coming out to his mother, and the video instantly went viral for her loving reaction. After he tearfully admitted he was gay, Christian's mother immediately embraced him and said, "I love you no matter what ... Don't you know that? I just want you to be happy." She even made him stop apologizing for who he is, telling him there's nothing to be sorry about.”.
note: "P.S. Your mom and I think you and Mike make a cute couple." 

I love stories like these. However, not all stories exist like these. So, that's why we're here! If you haven't been accepted or have trouble coming out, we're here to help you.

If you feel alone, suicidal or need anyone to talk, feel free to message me StolenIlluminated. I'll listen and be here.

I love you and stay positive. ❤️