“I believe that the combination of pencil and memory creates a kind of practical magic, and magic is dangerous.” –Stephen King, The Green Mile
From a young age, I had aspirations of writing impactful narratives, seeking that one great story to tell. My journey into the world of storytelling began with Stephen King at age 10, and it has influenced me ever since. In his works, characters often battled terrifying monsters, both within and beyond themselves. King prompted me to confront my own humanity, stirring a profound reflection on how people can sometimes embody more fear than any creature lurking in the shadows. Today, I find myself returning to storytelling, aiming to unpack the harsh realities of our current world.
I never envisioned a scenario where I’d need to plead with my neighbors for solidarity. The thought of fear creeping into my nightly routine, salt from my tears mixing with kisses on my son’s forehead, was unfathomable. I never anticipated that just eight days could erase eight years of progress.
But here I am, acknowledging the reality I didn’t foresee. The tale I have to share isn’t grand or mythical; it’s a narrative about perspective. I share it with parents and children alike, hoping you’ll lend me your ear just one more time.
Regardless of where my thoughts are published, I know I will lose credibility. My words may be dismissed as “fake” or seen as partisan. That’s the risk of being a writer; the weight of my words can vary depending on their platform. I have experienced the consequences of inflammatory rhetoric, especially as I found my voice in a millennial movement advocating for youth empowerment and education. My name appears in textbooks alongside significant cases, validating that I’ve made an impact. So here we are.
The roles of hero and villain shift with perspective. There’s much to celebrate and lament in our political landscape. Joy and heartbreak coexist, with their weight determined by who’s holding the scale. In my 30 years, I have never felt a reality as stark as this, and I’m wise enough to heed the voices of those who have traversed more years and challenges than I.
I cannot move forward without you.
As a husband and father, I ask you to consider the anguish you would feel if your family were threatened. This feeling goes far deeper than you can imagine, and I recognize that our experiences are distinct, yet equal. I cannot fully understand the pain of a refugee separated from loved ones, but I am compelled to listen to their untold suffering. I have to learn and commit to understanding.
In the same vein, I cannot diminish the struggles faced by families grappling with economic hardship, those awaiting jobs that never materialize, and individuals striving to leave a better legacy for their children. The sun’s rays illuminate our sweat equally, regardless of where we reside. Awareness of this shared struggle doesn’t alter its reality.
Listening is essential. We have forgotten how to listen. Perspective is vital.
In today’s world, individuals like me are labeled as “snowflakes” for being perceived as delicate yet self-important. We exist in a time when hostility can erupt over a mere 140 characters, leading to tragic outcomes for youth overwhelmed by a harsh reality.
So hear me out. This “snowflake” isn’t melting; it’s solidifying.
To believe that banning a religion will ensure our safety is a flawed notion. It contradicts the very values embodied by Lady Liberty, our symbol of freedom.
As an atheist, I find myself praying for you to recognize the importance of welcoming those in need, as echoed in sacred texts from Deuteronomy to Matthew. If Stephen King doesn’t resonate with you, perhaps there’s a classic text that reminds us of the necessity to offer refuge.
Do not celebrate the fact that our current president has not dismantled the legacy of his predecessor regarding protections for LGBTQ+ federal employees. While we may retain these protections, we must remember the ominous implications of the First Amendment Defense Act, which would allow businesses to discriminate against families like mine based on our love. The president’s promise to sign such legislation is a direct threat to our existence.
When friends assured me that my family wouldn’t be targeted, I nodded along, but deep down, I braced myself. Now, having been proven right, there’s no satisfaction in it. I don’t want your apologies; I need your action. I need you to resist and stand for what’s right.
My family’s love is as profound as yours. The bonds of parenthood and partnership are universal. The actions and words of our current president are unprecedented and troubling. It is not normal to omit significant communities from historical remembrances, nor is it acceptable to ban refugees from specific nations while benefiting from business dealings in those very places.
What we are witnessing transcends political perspectives; it’s about our shared humanity. We must teach our children to listen, to understand that we can choose to be heroes instead of villains.
Maybe the narrative that needs to be written today is one where we unite to confront an enemy of our own making. We are accountable for the situation at hand, and it is our collective responsibility to address it.
March. Resist. Believe. Love. I stand alongside you, with my husband and son by my side. This is still my America.
As we turn the pages of this chapter, I am reminded of the power of words that inspire hearts and minds. In the wise words of J.K. Rowling, “We do not need magic to change the world; we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”
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Summary
As a gay parent, the current political climate instills fear for the safety and acceptance of my family. It’s crucial for us to listen to each other, recognize our shared humanity, and resist discrimination in all forms. Together, we can strive for a better future for everyone, regardless of their background.