You Were Born This Way

I recently had a conversation that struck me. I was talking with an acquaintance and he said, "I don't know why anyone would choose to be gay." I told him, "It's not a choice. Who would choose the hard path? No one would."

He seemed unconvinced, but I have no doubt in my mind that homosexual people are born that way. I have watched loved ones struggle to be true to themselves and to find their place in a community that is less-than-welcoming. My brother Curtiss was gay. Watching him struggle as a gay black man in the south was really difficult. The discrimination, the bullying, the fear. It was too much at times, but my brother was incredibly strong. He found his way and became a real inspiration to others like him.

My brother Curtiss performing during Royal Caribbean's Pride celebration

Last year, I had a live discussion with a mother whose teenage daughter is gay. The mother cried when she talked about the mental and emotional anguish her child was experiencing as she navigated through high school. No one is "choosing" to be gay; it's part of who they are.

I love that Pride Month encourages members of the LGBTQIA+ community to be PROUD of who they are because there's nothing to be ashamed of. As Pride 2022 wraps up, I want the world to know that I'm so very PROUD of this community. Your courage to be your most authentic self and to fight for equal rights and freedoms is so amazing. Watching this community come together gives me hope, and I'm PROUD to say I'm an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. #yallmeansall

Attending a Pride Celebration in Texas with my son, sister and nephew