The irony isn’t lost on me seeing members of the LGBT community distancing themselves from the very movement that fought for decades to secure their rights. Some call themselves the “normal gays” now, seemingly forgetting that “normal” was a hard-won victory, not a starting point. This privilege of feeling “normal” exists precisely because previous generations of LGBTQ+ activists refused to be silent. Let’s be clear: This isn’t about partisan politics—it’s about recognizing real threats to our community. Just as Roe v. Wade was overturned, Obergefell v. Hodges could face similar challenges from a conservative-packed Supreme Court. These aren’t hypotheticals; they’re possibilities rooted in recent precedent. What’s particularly striking is how some members of our community seem to have forgotten that the freedoms they now take for granted—the right to marry, to live openly, to exist without fear—were secured through collective struggle. Every “normal” day they enjoy is built on the foundation of those who were proudly, unapologetically “abnormal” in their pursuit of equality. To those feeling confused or betrayed by this division within our community: Remember that those pushing us to be quieter, less visible, and more “normal” are reading from the same script that kept us in the closet for generations. True acceptance doesn’t come with conditions. It doesn’t require us to tone ourselves down or separate ourselves from our trans siblings and other members of our community. As Harvey Milk said, “Hope will never be silent.” Neither should we be—especially not when our rights and our unity as a community are at stake. We didn’t get this far by being quiet, and we won’t protect our progress by being quiet now. To those who’ve stepped away from the community: When the allies you’ve chosen show their true colors—as history suggests they will—know that your community will still be here. Because that’s what community means: standing together, even when it’s difficult, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it would be easier to look away. The strength of the LGBTQ+ movement has always been in its diversity and its refusal to leave anyone behind. That’s not a weakness to be ashamed of—it’s a power to be proud of.

In honor of #Pride & #BlackLivesMatter, I want to recommend an amazing doc on @netflix called “The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson.” Marsha was an integral part of the Stonewall Uprising, paving the way for the Pride celebration we know and love today. youtu.be/pADsuuPd79E

“We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.” - James Baldwin

.@RayvonOwen always says I don’t post enough... This morning, he said: “A selfie or two once in awhile won’t kill you.” 😂 Sending love to everyone! Hope you’re having a wonderful summer! 😊❤️ instagram.com/p/B1cGaZYgm33/…

As promised, here is my story of reconnection, one I thought would never happen. So glad I was able to partner with @Verizon & @PFLAG to encourage reconnection. If you want to learn more about PFLAG: pflag.org/lovecallsback #ConnectedByPride

I'm proud to partner with @Verizon and @PFLAG to let people know that it’s never too late to call back. Check out this beautiful and emotional film about reconnection. I'll be sharing my own reconnection story next week. ❤️ Learn more on ConnectedByPride.com #ConnectedByPride

I am so proud and humbled to be part of this amazing, beautiful project. Here’s to a future world in which love is unconditional, parents fully accept their children, and LGBTQ people can accept themselves. Please watch and share. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Love wins in India today!!! 🏳️‍🌈 #EqualLoveEqualRights #LoveIsLove #LoveIsLouder #LoveWins #NOH8

Happy Pride month is right!!! I know a lot of you don’t live close to a pride parade, so I’ve teamed up with @Verizon to bring you the first ever digital parade so we can march together. Join me here: vz.to/2ljjUHq #ConnectedByPride

Hope everyone is having a fantastic Pride month! instagram.com/p/BjvMXBihMLs/ ❤️🏳️‍🌈🧡🏳️‍🌈💛🏳️‍🌈💚🏳️‍🌈💙🏳️‍🌈💜 📷: @booshoe37

On 6/16 I’m doing an overnight walk in Philadelphia to raise money for the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention. To raise money for this incredible organization I’ve decided to sell 100 signed Bridegroom DVDs. 100% of the proceeds go to the cause! 💙 ebay.com/itm/Bridegroom-DVD-…

Seven years, today. In the past seven years, not a single day has gone by that I have not thought about Tom, and each year without him brings new lessons. The most recent lesson has been understanding my relationship with material things. Unfortunately,...instagram.com/p/Bie4CT-Bz4b/

.@LoveSimonMovie is a groundbreaking, life-affirming film that everyone should see! Never before has a major studio pushed an LGBTQ romantic comedy in such a mainstream way, so PLEASE go see it & make it known that our love & lives matter. EVERYONE deserves a great love story!