I didn't see this coming either.
I want you in my life, as close as possible.
That you fit so well into my family unit is amazing.

I am thankful for my queer community:
For the women who gave me hope that I was possible.
For those who believe in me even when I don't.
For friends around the world that remind me daily that we are amazing, messy, loving, ordinary people.

I am thankful for my relentlessly queer family:
For my husband and teen who knew to give me space to pull off today's feast.
For my girlfriend who I will celebrate with soon.
For my family of origin, less queer, and less local, but allies.

Second, for too many in my community this is a difficult day. We are too often rejected or expelled from our families of origin for being ourselves. We often lose families we have formed as adults for the same reason. Many of us are asked to hide who we are from family during these festivities.

My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you
I've been running 'round in circles in my mind
And it always seems that I'm followin' you, girl
'Cause you take me to the places
That alone I'd never find

"I can't fight this feeling" by REO Speedwagon, written by Kevin Cronin

🫂

I do hope that we...

don't tone it down for anyone.

What class of ship is the USS Jenny?

Damn. And here I thought my inscrutable stoic mask was still working. 😉

Why did you call me out like this? 🙃

No. You. 🙃

I feel your love every time I see you.
And honestly, I think if you didn't model open affection I'd probably be handling how much I love you in a less sustainable manner.

Also, markdown doesn't work (the way I expect it to) here.

Gosh we were pretty silly that day. It was _totally not a date_ :wink:. I didn't want to admit to having caught feelings but I also didn't want to go home.

We've had a lot of days being silly together since.

ty. Someone told me that I'm worth self care and I guess it finally stuck.

Yep.
Caring about myself helps too.

We were never strangers
You were right there all along

"Stargazing" by Myles Smith, written by Jesse Finkelstein, Peter Joseph Fenn, and Myles Smith-Thompson

Wow!