As we gather in quiet reflection, marking the absence of a political figure who once inspired many, we find ourselves grappling with the shattered remnants of hopes dashed by a rising tide of divisive rhetoric. How do we navigate this new landscape, where ceilings feel low and walls seem higher than before?
My partner, Jake, and I have embraced the privileges of our citizenship through the legal bonds of marriage, solidified by a landmark ruling that granted us equal rights—nothing more, nothing less. We can make crucial medical decisions for one another and share health insurance, rights that validate our commitment and love.
Our journey to parenthood began with adoption—a calling we both felt deeply. I was there in the delivery room when our son, Leo, entered the world. I shared a moment with his birth mother, who made a selfless choice to give him a loving family. She trusted us, and that trust means everything.
Every month, we place Leo in the same rocking chair that Jake once occupied, capturing yet another moment in photographs. We celebrate our family, cherishing each milestone together.
On August 5, surrounded by loved ones, we finalized Leo’s adoption. Our celebration was a testament to our joy, complete with hand-stitched felt monsters for our guests, each accompanied by whimsical birth certificates.
Under a supportive administration, our family felt not just accepted but celebrated. For the first time, we had a president who stood by our love and our family. It felt like a new chapter, where we no longer stood on the margins but were part of a broader narrative that defines America.
The day before Leo’s first birthday, we piled into our car and headed to the polls. I cradled him as I cast my vote for a candidate who championed our values and our family. I also voted against someone who represented the antithesis of those ideals.
I supported her vision of progress, believing in the power of hard work to inspire future generations. My family epitomizes the belief that unity is strength. Yet, as dreams often do, this one came with the risk of disappointment. The candidate who carried the hopes of many did not emerge victorious.
I’ve always believed that facts hold more weight than opinions; thus, I won’t elaborate on the numerous ways that the opposing campaign undermined marginalized communities. The evidence speaks for itself.
On the night of the election, I went to bed in disbelief, mourning a lost opportunity for leadership. I understood what was at stake—not just a political campaign but the trust of those we thought were allies. The choice to protect our family was clear, and some did not take that responsibility seriously.
Leo’s first birthday was a day for joy, despite the surrounding uncertainty. I focused on being a present father, ensuring that he experienced a day filled with cupcakes and laughter, not sadness.
The morning after, as I walked to work through New York, I saw families—children of color holding hands with their parents. My heart ached at the thought of what had transpired. The divisions we face seem poised to deepen in the coming years.
So how do we move forward? How do we cope with the despair that sometimes consumes us? I remind myself that the change we seek is already here. I have a husband and a son, and I fought hard for both. I have friends from all walks of life, and I must listen to their voices and stand with them.
I am part of a larger “Us” that embraces diversity and unity. We are the majority who believe that love, justice, and equality must prevail. We will not allow hatred to dictate our future.
This is our moment to be the glue that holds us together. We must support one another, show kindness, and truly connect with those around us. We must learn each other’s stories and strive to make our community stronger.
As we navigate this chapter in our family’s journey, we are committed to uplifting those who need support the most.