“I’m proud of you

I’m proud of the way you are”

You said that which everyone assumed I knew

and never bothered to say.

It has been two years of coming out

and many more years of heartache

bred from the denial of who I was.

This reintroduction process has been brutal

yet full of pockets of peace.

I have lost people

and had others wrap me up closer.

Still, since I came out no one has ever said the words you did.

In that moment I felt like I was falling

apart

together

into love.

My friend

I will give you back the same gift of words.

I will not assume you have heard them enough.

And if you have

you will hear them again.

You are undeniably loved by our creator.

You are worthy to die for.

You are worthy to have as a son, friend, and brother.

You are created equal, nothing less.

You are worthy to fight for.

You. Are. Worthy.

Don’t let anyone make you doubt that.

I say these words back

for myself and for you

because I am practicing speaking truth.

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