The holiday season is upon us and I thought this would be the perfect time to send some love out to my LGBTQ peeps.
Christmas is that time of year when the tree goes up and some drunken relative goes down after one too many sauvignon blanc's. But most of all, it's about family.
Family comes in all shapes and sizes. Not just blood relatives.
I'm blessed when I say that my family have always been there for me and although we've had our ups and downs, have always been on my side and never turned me away.
However, I also know that unfortunately, I'm one of the lucky ones, and there are too many young LGBTQ youths out there with families who have disowned them or abandoned them because of their sexuality.
It breaks my heart that the love of a parent can be shredded with two little words: "I'm gay."
I'm writing this to all of you out there who may be feeling lost, alone or down this holiday season.
I'm also writing this to the parents who think it appropriate to disown your children because of who they fall in love with.
What is wrong with you?
It is embarrassing and disgusting that you find it so easy to let go of your child because of the way they were born. You look as stupid as someone who would disown their child because of their eye color. It's irrational and evil and I only hope that in time you realize the error of your ways.
Life is tough, it's tougher when those who are supposed to be there for you the most turn their backs on you.
To all of you out there who's families have the IQ of a grilled cheese sandwich and have let you go, just know that there is someone out there who cares. You're not alone. Everything happens exactly as it's supposed to and your 'family' simply don't deserve you.
It may suck right now and it may feel incredibly painful, but one day you'll look back stronger, wiser and with a much bigger heart and soul than you could ever imagine.
We are moving forward slowly but surely and one day people will look back at the treatment of the LGBTQ community the same way we look back upon the racial discrimination and segregation in the past.
So if you are doing it tough this holiday season just know,
You're part of my family.
I love you all and you never need to feel alone, scared or helpless.
x Harry Cook
