 When we rise - Episode 3 RecapEpisode 3 was so relatable to my wife and I on so many levels. Being lesbians and moms to 5 kids we had our share of struggles in the beginning to be acknowledged by their schools, especially during parent/teacher conferences. This is going back as recent as 6 years ago when we dealt with this issue. Where we lived at that time wasn't exactly "gay friendly", but as a family we stood together and took each day and made it known that while we were a gay couple raising kids, we were still a family. Seeing parents not accepting their children for being gay, or referring to them as having an illness, breaks our hearts. While my wife's parents were accepting of her, my parents were not. To this day, they struggle to acknowledge and accept me for being who I am. The feeling of knowing that the very people that brought you into this world, who's one job was to love you unconditionally, can't or couldn't is a feeling that stays with that child. HIV/AIDS was a genocide to the LGBTQ community, especially gay men and our health system did not care. The mere fact that it was ignored for so long by government officials is disheartening. The amount of time that it took for the government to find a solution was deplorable, taking the lives of thousands. when we rise- Finale RecapWhat an inspiring and emotional finale! There was so much in that finale that my wife and I remember like it was yesterday. First, let me touch on gay families. Being an LGBT Family my wife and I raised our children without labels. We raised them with unconditional love. We taught them tolerance and acceptance of all human beings. We taught them that hate has no place in their hearts. Not once did any of our 5 children ever hesitate to announce they had two moms. To them we were and always will be a normal family. That is the point that seems to be forgotten. LGBTQ people are normal, LGBTQ families are normal and the world needs to see more of that. Before marriage equality I "married" my wife twice. Little commitment ceremonies, but it never felt right. The word marriage DOES mean something! We remember the exact moment in 2015 when we found out we were able to legally marry! We will never forget that moment we said our vows and we're legally married! It gave our children a sense of pride and they felt safe in knowing that we were now a traditional family. This series was needed at the most crucial time for America. A time when there is so much "unknown" lingering amongst the LGBTQ community. To know our roots and to see the struggles that have been overcome gives our LGBTQ youth hope for a brighter future. It's our time more than ever to take the torch that has been passed and keep fighting for what is legally right for all Americans.... EQUALITY! "One struggle. One fight. When We Rise" we will overcome!  |
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